Step into the world of the 1987-88 NBA season with author Rich Cohen as he discusses his new book, "When the Game Was War: The NBA's Greatest Season," with James. In this seminal season, Hall of Famers spanned the entire history of the league, from Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who played with players that existed before the NBA, to young talents like Reggie Miller and Scotty Pippen. It was also the time when Cohen fell in love with pro basketball, ignited by game six of the 1988 NBA Finals. The Detroit Pistons were on the brink of closing out the Lakers and making history, but Isaiah Thomas had other plans. Despite rolling his ankle, he delivered a performance for the ages, scoring an incredible 25 points in the third quarter alone—a playoff record that still stands.

The core of the book narrows down to four games that encapsulated the era's four dynasties—Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers, Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics, Isiah Thomas’ Detroit Pistons, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. These teams went to "war" with each other, their skirmishes defining the era. By the time you get to the fourth game in the book, Cohen promises you'll know every player on the floor. This episode offers a deep dive into the emotional gravity of the season that connected fans like never before.

Whether you're an ardent NBA follower or a casual fan, this episode with Rich Cohen is a must-listen. It will evoke nostalgia, inspire you with stories of perseverance and skill, and offer a masterclass on the art of storytelling and sports history.

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When the Game Was War: A Journey Back to the NBA's Greatest Season | Rich Cohen

The James Altucher Show