Isiah Thomas Drops 33 vs. John Stockton in the Reebok Pump Challenge (1990)

October 28, 1990 - Playing four hours up the road from the Palace of Auburn Hills, Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons found a second home in the Toronto Skydome for their preseason closer (aka the Reebok Pump Challenge). Thomas, fresh off of retina surgery, finished with 33 points but it was Stockton and the Jazz who'd get the last laugh. Alongside scoring 12 of his 23 in the fourth quarter, it was Stockton's delivery to Jeff Malone for a buzzer-beating jumper that delivered the Jazz their lone preseason victory.

The Skydome, borrowing a court from nearby Copps Coliseum, played a gracious host, vying for the NBA's attention in hopes of luring a future expansion franchise. The effort paid off. The Toronto Raptors, alongside the Vancouver Grizzlies made their NBA debut at the start of the 1995-96 season.

Special thanks to Adam Ryan, host of the retro NBA podcast In All Airness:    / adamryan  

Jeff Malone's Game-Winner:    • Jeff Malone Hits Another Game-Winner ...  

Thomas' Full Highlights:    • Isiah Thomas Drops 33 vs. John Stockt...