"Kobe said, 'Nah not yet'"- Isiah Thomas hilariously recounts story of Kobe Bryant snubbing Michael Jordan of an all-time moment

The 2003 All-Star Game seemed destined for a storybook ending when Michael Jordan nailed his signature fadeaway jumper to give Team East a 2-point lead with just seconds left. Many were seemingly prepared to call off the remainder of the game to honor Jordan. However, Isiah Thomas said the competitive Kobe Bryant denied his idol the perfect sendoff.

Vince Carter and Thomas relived the final moments of the iconic exhibition clash in Atlanta on GameTime on Monday. Immediately after Jordan knocked down a tough midrange fadeaway, Thomas said he asked the officials to call off the remainder of the game. But, the game continued with Bryant spoiling MJ’s farewell.

“We should have shut the game down after that fadeaway,” Carter said.

“That's what I told the referees. Stop everything. It was the perfect moment. Jordan hit the last shot. It was his last game … But they didn't understand the moment. And Kobe said, ‘Nah, not yet’,” Thomas recollected.

Bryant proceeded to hit two of three free throws, forcing a second overtime. In the following five minutes, Team West mounted a comeback, ultimately securing a 155-145 victory.

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Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan squashed their beef for the All-Star weekend

Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan had a falling out in the early 1990s. The tension originated from the Detroit Pistons’ response to being swept in the playoffs, which didn’t sit well with the Bulls legend. Their friendship seemingly ended after that incident and the two players had been beefing ever since.

However, the players chose to set aside their differences during the 2003 All-Star Weekend.

“I want to make his [Jordan’s] last All-Star Game as enjoyable for him as it possibly can be,” Zeke said (via Daily Press).

While Jordan acknowledged that the two were being civil for the occasion, he emphasized that they had not fully mended their relationship.

“Our dialogue (now) is respectful. We joke around here and there, but I’ll admit it’s guarded. I wouldn’t say we’re the best of friends, but we have a sense of respect,” MJ said.