Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson was not happy with one of ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith's all-time playoff lists.
The television personality compiled his personal ranking of the best playoff runs by a small guard, and Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas was notably omitted from it.
Upon seeing the list, Johnson expressed his disbelief to Smith and reminded him one of Thomas's stellar performances in the postseason.
"Stephen A. you forgot Isiah Thomas scored 25 points in one quarter on an injured leg against my Showtime Lakers during the 1988 NBA Finals! How could you leave him off your All-Time Playoff small guard list?," the 64-year-old posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
Smith's list of the best performances by small guards was led by the ongoing run by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson in 2024, followed by Kyrie Irving with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
The 56-year-old rounded out his top five with Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry in 2015, and Allen Iverson with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001.
Magic Johnson reminded Stephen A. Smith of legendary Isiah Thomas performance
Johnson's mention of Thomas's legendary performance was likely due to witnessing it in real-time.
Thomas rolled his right ankle in the third quarter of Game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Lakers.
Despite the sprained ankle, he scored 25 points in the fourth quarter, including 14 straight, finishing with 43 points, eight assists, and sex steals.
However, the Lakers won the game 103-102, forcing the series to a Game 7, which the Lakers also won in a close call, 108-105.
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