The year was 1984, and the Detroit Pistons were locked in a fierce battle with the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The series was tied at 2-2, and Game 5 would determine which team would advance to the next round.
In said game, Isiah Thomas, the fiery point guard for the Pistons, known for his tenacity, leadership, and clutch performances and Bernard King, the high-scoring forward for the Knicks, a scoring machine capable of lighting up the scoreboard, had a scoring battle for the ages.
The unforgettable playoff shootout.took place on April 27, 1984, at Joe Louis Arena, and due to the high stakes, the tension in the arena was palpable as these two superstars went head-to-head.
With 44 points to his name, King was on fire. He scored 12 of those points in the final 5:12 of the fourth quarter, seemingly willing the Knicks to victory. Not to be outdone, Isiah Thomas stole the spotlight. He tallied Detroit’s final 14 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and determination. His heroics kept the Pistons in the game.
As regulation time ended, the score was tied. Overtime ensued, and the intensity reached a fever pitch. In those extra minutes, the Knicks emerged victorious, winning 127-123. Bernard King’s brilliance and Isiah Thomas’s resilience had left an indelible mark on NBA history.
