On April 27, 1984, 40 years ago to the day, the 21,908 spectators at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit witnessed a legendary feat. Because the Pontiac Silverdome is reserved for a motocross event, Game 5 between the Pistons and the Knicks was relocated for the duration of a match, and especially for the duration of a crazy performance. At the time, the Pistons were returning to the playoffs after six years of drought, and the operators of the room had not anticipated that the teammates ofIsiah Thomas would still play at the end of April…
While Bernard King is offering qualification to his team (44 points despite two broken fingers), the young Isiah Thomas rebels: he scores 16 points in 94 seconds to make up for an eight-point deficit and snatch overtime for his team!
For nothing, since the Knicks finally won the match, and therefore the series in five rounds – with Bernard King averaging 42 points, despite flu-like symptoms in Game 5.
For nothing, like his 25-point quarter, four years later in the NBA final against the Lakers.
For nothing, except to write the beginning of his legend…
“I don’t remember anything that happened”Bernard King told New York Times. “I was so into it. All I know is I thought we had the game in hand a few times, but they just kept coming back. They didn't want to give up. »
