THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Isiah Thomas pass stolen by Larry Bird

1987 • NBA • Player Mistake • Inbound Turnover
Isiah Thomas pass stolen by Larry Bird — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

In Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals on May 26, the Boston Celtics trailed the Detroit Pistons 107–106 with five seconds remaining. Isiah Thomas attempted an inbounds pass to Bill Laimbeer, but Larry Bird intercepted it, passed to Dennis Johnson, who scored a game-winning layup with one second left, securing a 108–107 victory for Boston. (nba.com)

TEAMS / PEOPLE: Detroit Pistons; Boston Celtics; Isiah Thomas; Larry Bird

WHY IT MATTERS

This pivotal play shifted the momentum in the series, allowing the Celtics to win Game 5 and eventually clinch the series in seven games. (nba.com)

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