Isiah Thomas

Any team foolish enough to underestimate Isiah Thomas’ win-at-all-costs mentality would often come to regret it - but it’s the joy with which he celebrated this win in particular that’s stood the test of time. Down by one in the waning seconds of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, one of the best facilitators in league history enters go-mode, deciding to take on all comers and finish the job himself. In three dribbles, Thomas slices and dices his way through the heart of a tough Atlanta Hawks defense, confronting a double team at the rim and somehow converting an acrobatic layup just ahead of the final buzzer. The two-time champion and future Hall of Famer — as well as Detroit’s franchise leader in points, assists and steals — refused to be denied, tallying 31 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals in the Pistons’ thrilling 89-88 victory at the Silverdome on May 10, 1987.

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