The incident you are referring to occurred during the 1991 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls, not the NBA Finals. The Detroit Pistons, led by Isiah Thomas, were known for their physical and aggressive playing style, earning them the nickname "Bad Boys."
In the 1989 and 1990 NBA playoffs, the Pistons faced the Bulls and defeated them both times, denying Michael Jordan and the Bulls a chance to advance to the NBA Finals. However, in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls managed to defeat the Pistons in a convincing fashion, sweeping the series 4-0.
After Game 4, when it became apparent that the Pistons would lose the series, Isiah Thomas and some of his teammates walked off the court without shaking hands with the Bulls players, including Michael Jordan. This action was widely perceived as unsportsmanlike and disrespectful, especially in the context of NBA tradition, where it's customary for players to shake hands with their opponents after a series, particularly in the playoffs.
The incident sparked controversy and criticism, as it was seen as a show of poor sportsmanship and a lack of respect for the Bulls, who had finally overcome the Pistons after years of playoff defeats. Many people, including Michael Jordan himself, took offense at the Pistons' actions, and it has been a topic of discussion and debate in NBA history ever since.
To this day, the incident remains a significant moment in NBA lore and serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the world of professional sports.
