During the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, Isiah Thomas , as the coach of the East Team, made a conscious effort to set aside his long-standing feud with Michael Jordan . However, Zeke was acutely aware that media reporters would likely question him about his alleged role in the infamous ‘freeze out’ game against a rookie MJ to stir the pot on controversy.
Rather than avoiding the topic, the two-time NBA Champ boldly challenged the media to produce evidence of his misconduct in the actual game footage, before giving MJ the fairy-tale-like ending from the star-studded exhibition game.
Thomas challenged the reporters
The 1985 All-Star Game has always been a subject of controversy, particularly regarding young MJ’s performance. Having garnered significant media and business attention as a rookie, Mike’s subpar stat line of seven points on nine field goal attempts - the lowest among East starters - sparked speculation about deliberate exclusion by veteran players.
Rumors circulated that Zeke and Magic Johnson intentionally limited Jordan’s touches, while George Gervin allegedly defended the 1985 ROY with unnecessary physicality. Though Isiah consistently denied any involvement in the ‘freeze out,’ the controversy was brought up again in the build-up to the ‘03 All-Star Game.
In a bold move, the 12-time All-Star challenged the reporters to produce evidence from the 1985 game footage that would support their freeze-out theory.
"I've looked at the film of that game at least 60 times to see whether I could have given him the ball at some point and didn't," Thomas said . "I'm bringing that tape, and the first person who asks me, I'm going to say, 'Here it is, go ahead and do some homework.'"
Related: "I just don't see how you would get equal value" - Michael Jordan believed the Bulls could never get anybody as valuable as Scottie Pippen
Isiah let go of his feud with MJ
Putting their past feud behind them, the 1990 Finals MVP not only voted for Jordan to be an All-Star but even convinced Vince Carter to give up his starting spot for him. Even during the game, when the Wizards’ shooting guard had a tough time, hitting just 9-of-27 from the field, Isiah still gave him 36 minutes on the court - the second most on the team.
Though the six-time Finals MVP struggled to showcase his best form throughout the game, Thomas made sure that the East players placed the ball in Mike’s hands during clutch time in OT. Wherein His Airness even knocked a high-arcing fadeaway over Shawn Marion’s outstretched arm.
Although the East Team lost 155-145 in a double OT thriller, it’s clear that Isiah made sure MJ got a proper send-off with plenty of playing time.
Related: Chris Paul on being a huge fan of Isiah Thomas early in his career: "Isaiah was one of those players who went out every night to win"
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