Frequently Asked Questions
What happened when the Pistons lost to the Bulls in 1991?
When the Bulls swept the Pistons in 1991, Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas, and other Pistons players walked off the court without shaking hands with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls.
How did Michael Jordan respond to Isiah Thomas's explanation for the walkoff?
Jordan called Thomas's explanation "bullshit" and said there's no way anyone could convince him that Isiah "wasn't an asshole." He believes Thomas has only changed his perspective due to public reaction over time.
Did the Bulls shake hands when they lost to the Pistons in previous years?
Yes, Jordan said the Bulls shook hands with the Pistons after losing to them in back-to-back years, including after a devastating Game 7 loss the previous season.
What was Isiah Thomas's explanation for not shaking hands?
Thomas said Bill Laimbeer told the team "We're not shaking their hands" as they came out of the game, and explained that back then "when you lost you left the floor" - that's just how it was done in that era.
How many times did the Bulls and Pistons face each other in the playoffs?
The Bulls and Pistons squared off in the playoffs four times from 1988 to 1991, with the last three matchups being for a chance to go to the NBA Finals.