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1988–89 Detroit Pistons season

FieldValue
teamDetroit Pistons
DivisionWinyes
ConferenceWinyes
ChampionshipWinyes
end_year1989
wins63
losses19
divisionCentral
division_place1
conf_place1
coachChuck Daly
arenaThe Palace of Auburn Hills
gmJack McCloskey
ownerWilliam Davidson
televisionWKBD-TV
(George Blaha, Dick Motta)
PASS Sports
(Fred McLeod, Tom Wilson)
radioWWJ
(George Blaha, Dick Motta)
playoffs[**NBA champions**](1989-nba-finals)
(Defeated [Lakers](1988-89-los-angeles-lakers-season) 4–0)
bbr_teamDET

(George Blaha, Dick Motta) PASS Sports (Fred McLeod, Tom Wilson) (George Blaha, Dick Motta) (Defeated Lakers 4–0)

The 1988–89 Detroit Pistons season was the 41st season for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association, and their 32nd season in Detroit, Michigan. Before the start of the regular season, the Pistons moved from the Pontiac Silverdome to their brand-new arena known as The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The team won their first eight games of the regular season, and held a 31–13 record at the All-Star break. However, Adrian Dantley was unhappy with his role on the team, losing playing time to Dennis Rodman at the small forward position. At mid-season, the team traded Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for All-Star forward Mark Aguirre, a childhood friend of Isiah Thomas; Dantley felt that Thomas had a major role in engineering the trade, so that Aguirre could have the opportunity of winning a championship, an accusation that Thomas denied.

With the addition of Aguirre, the Pistons posted a nine-game winning streak in March, won eight consecutive games between March and April, then won their final five games of the season, finishing in first place in the Central Division with a league-best record of 63–19, and earning the first seed in the Eastern Conference.

Thomas averaged 18.2 points, 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game, while Joe Dumars averaged 17.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, and Vinnie Johnson contributed 13.8 points per game off the bench. In addition, Bill Laimbeer provided the team with 13.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Rodman provided with 9.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game off the bench, and Rick Mahorn averaged 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Also off the bench, James Edwards contributed 7.3 points per game, and John Salley provided with 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Houston Astrodome in Houston, Texas, Thomas was selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; Thomas scored 19 points along with 14 assists and 4 steals, despite the Eastern Conference losing to the Western Conference, 143–134. Dumars and Rodman were both named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team; Thomas and Dumars both finished tied in 17th place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Rodman finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, finished in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, and also tied in seventh place in Most Improved Player voting, and head coach Chuck Daly finished in fourth place in Coach of the Year voting.

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1989 NBA playoffs, and for the third consecutive year, the Pistons faced off against the 8th–seeded Boston Celtics, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Kevin McHale, All-Star center Robert Parish, and second-year guard Reggie Lewis; the Celtics were without All-Star forward Larry Bird, who was out due to a season-ending heel injury. The Pistons won their first two home games at The Palace of Auburn Hills, and then won Game 3 over the Celtics on the road, 100–85 at the Boston Garden to win the series in a three-game sweep.

In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 5th–seeded Milwaukee Bucks, a team that featured All-Star forward Terry Cummings, sixth man Ricky Pierce, and Jack Sikma. After winning their first two games at home, the Pistons won the next two games over the Bucks on the road, winning Game 4 at the Bradley Center, 96–94 to win the series in a four-game sweep.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, and for the second consecutive year, the Pistons faced off against the 6th–seeded Chicago Bulls, who were led by All-Star guard Michael Jordan, and second-year stars, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant. The Bulls managed to take a 2–1 series lead over the Pistons, winning Game 3 at the Chicago Stadium, 99–97. However, the Pistons managed to win Game 4 on the road, 86–80 to even the series. After winning Game 5 at home, 94–85 at The Palace of Auburn Hills, the Pistons won Game 6 over the Bulls at the Chicago Stadium, 103–94 to win the series in six games, and advance to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.

In the 1989 NBA Finals, the Pistons once again faced off against the top–seeded, and 2-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, a team that featured the quartet of All-Star guard, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Magic Johnson, All-Star forward James Worthy, Byron Scott, and All-Star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Due to injuries to Magic Johnson and Scott, the Pistons won the first two games at home at The Palace of Auburn Hills, taking a 2–0 series lead, then won the next two games on the road, winning Game 4 over the Lakers at the Great Western Forum, 105–97; the Pistons won the series over the Lakers in a four-game sweep to win their first ever NBA championship, as Dumars, who scored 23 points in Game 4, was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. This series was a rematch from last year's NBA Finals, with the Pistons avenging their NBA Finals loss. The Pistons clinched every series victory on the road that was later followed by the 1999 San Antonio Spurs, and the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Following the season, Mahorn was left unprotected in the 1989 NBA expansion draft, where he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves expansion team; however, Mahorn never played for the Timberwolves due to a contract dispute, and was later on traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Pistons and Lakers would face each other again 15 years later in the NBA Finals in 2004, where the Pistons won in five games en route to their third NBA championship, despite being underdogs to the heavily-favored Lakers.

Draft picks

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalityCollege
230Fennis DemboForwardWyoming
248Micheal WilliamsGuardBaylor

Roster

  • Chuck Daly
  • Brendan Malone
  • Dick Versace (until 1/5/1989)
  • Brendan Suhr (hired 1/5/1989)
  • Mike Abdenour

Regular season

On February 15, 1989, the Pistons traded Adrian Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks for Mark Aguirre. Dantley was unhappy relegating the leadership role on the Pistons to Isiah Thomas, while Aguirre had clashed with his coaches and teammates in Dallas. Aguirre was more amenable to deferring to Thomas, and accepted his role in Chuck Daly's system. His ability to shoot the three, post up, run the floor, and pass was instrumental in the growth of the team.

Season standings

Game log

Regular season

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | 8:30p.m. EST | @ Chicago | W 107–94 | Dantley (22) | Mahorn (10) | Thomas (14) | Chicago Stadium 18,420 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | 7:30p.m. EST | Charlotte | W 94–85 | Dantley (18) | Laimbeer (12) | Dumars, Thomas (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Philadelphia | W 116–109 | Dumars (30) | Laimbeer (11) | Dumars, Thomas (9) | The Spectrum 10,115 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | 7:30p.m. EST | Atlanta | W 101–95 | Thomas (21) | Laimbeer (13) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 4–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Boston | W 116–107 | Dantley (31) | Mahorn (6) | Thomas (10) | Boston Garden 14,890 | 5–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | 8:30p.m. EST | @ Dallas | W 108–99 | Laimbeer (23) | Laimbeer (21) | Thomas (12) | Reunion Arena 17,007 | 6–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | 8:30p.m. EST | @ San Antonio | W 94–88 | Dumars (20) | Mahorn (10) | Thomas (8) | HemisFair Arena 11,991 | 7–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 8 | 9:30p.m. EST | @ Phoenix | W 121–105 | Dumars (31) | Rodman (12) | Thomas (11) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 14,471 | 8–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 9 | 8:30p.m. EST | @ Houston | L 98–109 | Thomas (26) | Rodman (12) | Thomas (6) | The Summit 16,611 | 8–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 10 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Charlotte | W 99–93 | Dumars (26) | Mahorn (10) | Thomas (8) | Charlotte Coliseum 23,389 | 9–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 11 | 7:30p.m. EST | New York | L 111–133 | Dantley (25) | Laimbeer, Rodman (9) | Thomas (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 9–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 12 | 8:30p.m. EST | L.A. Lakers | W 102–99 | Dumars (20) | Mahorn (11) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 10–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 13 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Indiana | L 98–107 | Laimbeer (22) | Laimbeer (10) | Thomas (12) | Market Square Arena 10,275 | 10–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 14 | 7:30p.m. EST | Indiana | W 114–111 | Thomas (36) | Laimbeer (9) | Thomas (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 11–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 15 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Washington | W 120–114 | Dantley (28) | Mahorn (8) | Thomas (10) | Capital Centre 12,606 | 12–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 16 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ New Jersey | W 102–99 | Dantley (21) | Mahorn (12) | Thomas (8) | Brendan Byrne Arena 12,517 | 13–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 17 | 8:30p.m. EST | @ Milwaukee | L 84–109 | Dantley (17) | Laimbeer (6) | Laimbeer (6) | Bradley Center 15,619 | 13–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 18 | 7:30p.m. EST | Chicago | W 102–89 | Dantley (31) | Laimbeer (12) | Thomas (13) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 14–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 19 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Atlanta | W 92–82 | Dumars (24) | Laimbeer, Rodman, Salley (8) | Dumars (6) | The Omni 16,374 | 15–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 20 | 7:30p.m. EST | Philadelphia | W 106–100 | Thomas (37) | Laimbeer (15) | Laimbeer (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 16–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 21 | 7:30p.m. EST | Milwaukee | L 110–119 | Dantley (22) | Laimbeer (12) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 16–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 22 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Cleveland | L 98–119 | Dumars (16) | Rodman (10) | Williams (7) | Richfield Coliseum 18,718 | 16–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 23 | 7:30p.m. EST | Charlotte | W 100–91 | Thomas (25) | Mahorn (12) | Thomas (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 17–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 24 | 7:30p.m. EST | Miami | W 116–100 | Johnson (22) | Rodman (9) | Thomas (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 18–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 25 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ New York | L 85–88 | Johnson (19) | Mahorn (14) | Yhomas (7) | Madison Square Garden 19,591 | 18–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 26 | 7:30p.m. EST | Phoenix | W 106–100 | Dantley (24) | Rodman (14) | Dumars (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 19–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 27 | 8:00p.m. EST | Houston | W 95–83 | Dumars (28) | Laimbeer, Mahorn (13) | Dantley, Laimbeer, Thomas (5) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 20–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 28 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Atlanta | L 104–123 | Thomas (28) | Rodman (8) | Thomas (6) | The Omni 16,371 | 20–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 29 | 8:00p.m. EST | Atlanta | W 111–88 | Laimbeer, Thomas (19) | Laimbeer (10) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 21–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 30 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Indiana | L 99–113 | Thomas (31) | Rodman (12) | Thomas (8) | Market Square Arena 16,105 | 21–9 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 31 | 7:30p.m. EST | New York | L 93–100 | Laimbeer (21) | Rodman (10) | Thomas (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 21–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 32 | 8:00p.m. EST | Washington | W 119–103 | Dantley (35) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 22–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 33 | 2:30p.m. EST | @ Milwaukee | L 112–120 | Thomas (25) | Laimbeer (10) | Thomas (13) | Bradley Center 18,633 | 22–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 34 | 7:30p.m. EST | Boston | W 96–87 | Johnson (21) | Laimbeer (12) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 23–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 35 | 7:30p.m. EST | New Jersey | W 103–90 | Dantley (24) | Rodman (16) | Johnson, Thomas (6) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 24–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 36 | 8:00p.m. EST | Indiana | W 132–99 | Laimbeer (27) | Laimbeer, Rodman (11) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 25–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 37 | 12Noon EST | @ Boston | L 99–112 | Thomas (26) | Salley (11) | Salley, Thomas (5) | Boston Garden 14,890 | 25–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 38 | 7:30p.m. EST | Golden State | W 105–104 | Thomas (27) | Rodman (16) | Thomas (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 26–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 39 | 8:00p.m. EST | Cleveland | L 79–80 | Johnson, Thomas (22) | Rodman (17) | Thomas (5) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 26–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 40 | 7:00p.m. EST | Sacramento | W 122–97 | Rodman (24) | Rodman (16) | Thomas (15) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 27–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 41 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Chicago | W 104–98 (OT) | Thomas (34) | Rodman (14) | Dantley (8) | Chicago Stadium 18,288 | 28–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 42 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Philadelphia | W 124–106 | Dantley (33) | Laimbeer, Salley, Thomas (7) | Thomas (7) | The Spectrum 15,268 | 29–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 43 | 2:00p.m. EST | Chicago | W 113–102 | Johnson (27) | Rodman (13) | Thomas (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 30–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 44 | 7:30p.m. EST | Milwaukee | W 107–96 | Laimbeer (22) | Rodman (12) | Thomas (14) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 31–13 |- align="center" |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 45 | 10:30p.m. EST | @ L.A. Lakers | W 111–103 | Dumars, Thomas (23) | Rodman (15) | Thomas (15) | Great Western Forum 17,505 | 32–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 46 | 10:30p.m. EST | @ Sacramento | W 95–84 | Dumars, Johnson, Laimbeer (20) | Rodman (15) | Thomas (14) | ARCO Arena 16,517 | 33–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 47 | 10:00p.m. EST | @ Golden State | L 119–121 (OT) | Laimbeer, Rodman (32) | Rodman (21) | Thomas (13) | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena 15,025 | 33–14 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 48 | 4:00p.m. EST | @ Denver | L 101–103 | Johnson (21) | Laimbeer (16) | Thomas (10) | McNichols Sports Arena 17,022 | 33–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 49 | 7:30p.m. EST | Portland | W 105–94 | Dumars (19) | Rodman (15) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 34–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 50 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ New Jersey | W 113–95 | Aguirre (31) | Mahorn (9) | Dumars (10) | Brendan Byrne Arena 20,049 | 35–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 51 | 7:00p.m. EST | L.A. Clippers | W 110–98 | Thomas (21) | Rodman (13) | Thomas (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 36–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 52 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Cleveland | L 99–115 | Aguirre, Thomas (28) | Rodman (11) | Thomas (13) | Richfield Coliseum 20,246 | 36–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 53 | 7:30p.m. EST | Utah | W 96–85 | Johnson (34) | Laimbeer (13) | Dumars (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 37–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 54 | 8:00p.m. EST | Cleveland | W 96–90 | Laimbeer (24) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 38–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 55 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Miami | W 109–100 | Johnson, Thomas (22) | Rodman (10) | Thomas (8) | Miami Arena 15,008 | 39–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 56 | 7:30p.m. EST | Denver | W 129–116 | Dumars (25) | Mahorn (19) | Thomas (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 40–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 57 | 7:30p.m. EST | Seattle | W 112–96 | Thomas (27) | Laimbeer (19) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 41–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 58 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Philadelphia | W 111–106 | Thomas (34) | Laimbeer (16) | Thomas (8) | The Spectrum 17,678 | 42–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 59 | 7:00p.m. EST | Washington | W 110–104 | Laimbeer (24) | Laimbeer (16) | Thomas (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 43–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 60 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Indiana | W 129–117 | Dumars (30) | Johnson (7) | Dumars (8) | Market Square Arena 12,031 | 44–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 61 | 8:00p.m. EST | Boston | W 106–98 | Johnson (30) | Laimbeer, Rodman (10) | Dumars (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 45–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 62 | 9:00p.m. EST | @ Milwaukee | L 100–117 | Aguirre, Johnson (14) | Rodman (13) | Dumars (9) | Bradley Center 18,633 | 45–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 63 | 8:00p.m. EST | @ Atlanta | W 110–95 | Thomas (26) | Laimbeer (12) | Dumars (9) | The Omni 16,371 | 46–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 64 | 7:30p.m. EST | San Antonio | W 115–94 | Laimbeer (21) | Laimbeer (10) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 47–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 65 | 8:00p.m. EST | New Jersey | W 112–96 | Dumars (35) | Aguirre (11) | Thomas (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 48–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 66 | 7:30p.m. EST | @ Charlotte | W 113–101 | Dumars (18) | Laimbeer (11) | Thomas (6) | Charlotte Coliseum 23,388 | 49–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 67 | 7:30p.m. EST | Dallas | W 90–77 | Thomas (30) | Laimbeer, Rodman (11) | Dumars (6) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 50–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 68 | 9:30p.m. EST | @ Utah | W 108–104 | Thomas (25) | Mahorn (11) | Thomas (8) | Salt Palace 12,444 | 51–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 69 | 10:00p.m. EST | @ Seattle | W 111–108 | Dumars (27) | Rodman (7) | Dumars, Thomas (4) | Seattle Center Coliseum 14,810 | 52–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 70 | 9:00p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Clippers | W 117–101 | Dumars (23) | Laimbeer (18) | Dumars, Thomas (7) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 14,309 | 53–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 71 | 10:30p.m. EDT | @ Portland | L 100–118 | Rodman (16) | Rodman (18) | Dumars (6) | Memorial Coliseum 12,880 | 53–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 72 | 7:30p.m. EDT | Chicago | W 115–108 | Dumars (20) | Laimbeer (22) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 54–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 73 | 8:00p.m. EDT | @ Chicago | W 114–112 (OT) | Johnson (30) | Mahorn (11) | Dumars, Johnson (8) | Chicago Stadium 18,678 | 55–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 74 | 7:00p.m. EDT | Milwaukee | W 100–91 | Aguirre (20) | Aguirre (11) | Dumars (13) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 56–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 75 | 7:30p.m. EDT | @ Washington | W 124–100 | Laimbeer (27) | Laimbeer (11) | Dumars (11) | Capital Centre 11,305 | 57–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 76 | 7:30p.m. EDT | Cleveland | W 107–95 | Johnson (31) | Mahorn (11) | Dumars (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 58–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 77 | 8:00p.m. EDT | @ New York | L 100–104 | Laimbeer (19) | Rodman (10) | Dumars (8) | Madison Square Garden 19,591 | 58–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 78 | 7:00p.m. EDT | Washington | W 104–98 | Aguirre (19) | Laimbeer (10) | Dumars, Thomas (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 59–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 79 | 7:30p.m. EDT | @ Cleveland | W 118–102 | Dumars (42) | Mahorn (11) | Dumars (11) | Richfield Coliseum 20,273 | 60–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 80 | 7:30p.m. EDT | Indiana | W 115–105 | Dumars (20) | Rodman (14) | Dumars (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 61–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 81 | 8:00p.m. EDT | Philadelphia | W 100–91 | Aguirre (22) | Mahorn (9) | Dumars (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 62–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 82 | 3:30p.m. EDT | Atlanta | W 99–81 | Johnson (23) | Rodman (13) | Dumars (4) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 63–19

Detailed records

OpponentHomeAwayTotalPct.Points scoredPoints allowed
**Atlantic Division**
[Boston Celtics](1988-89-boston-celtics-season)2–01–13–1417404
[Charlotte Hornets](1988-89-charlotte-hornets-season)2–02–04–0406370
[New Jersey Nets](1988-89-new-jersey-nets-season)2–02–04–0430380
[New York Knicks](1988-89-new-york-knicks-season)0–20–20–4389425
[Philadelphia 76ers](1988-89-philadelphia-76ers-season)2–03–05–0557512
[Washington Bullets](1988-89-washington-bullets-season)3–02–05–0557519
9–29–218–427562610
**Central Division**
[Atlanta Hawks](1988-89-atlanta-hawks-season)3–02–16–0617564
[Chicago Bulls](1988-89-chicago-bulls-season)3–03–06–0655603
[Cleveland Cavaliers](1988-89-cleveland-cavaliers-season)2–11–23–3597601
**Detroit Pistons**——————
[Indiana Pacers](1988-89-indiana-pacers-season)3–01–24–2687652
[Milwaukee Bucks](1988-89-milwaukee-bucks-season)2–10–32–4613652
13–27–820–1031693072
OpponentHomeAwayTotalPct.Points scoredPoints allowed
**Midwest Division**
[Dallas Mavericks](1988-89-dallas-mavericks-season)1–01–02–0198176
[Denver Nuggets](1988-89-denver-nuggets-season)1–00–11–1230215
[Houston Rockets](1988-89-houston-rockets-season)1–00–11–1193192
[Miami Heat](1988-89-miami-heat-season)1–01–02–0225200
[San Antonio Spurs](1988-89-san-antonio-spurs-season)1–01–02–0209182
[Utah Jazz](1988-89-utah-jazz-season)1–01–02–0204189
6–04–210–212631154
**Pacific Division**
[Golden State Warriors](1988-89-golden-state-warriors-season)1–00–11–1224225
[Los Angeles Clippers](1988-89-los-angeles-clippers-season)1–01–02–0227199
[Los Angeles Lakers](1988-89-los-angeles-lakers-season)1–01–02–0213202
[Phoenix Suns](1988-89-phoenix-suns-season)1–01–02–0227205
[Portland Trail Blazers](1988-89-portland-trail-blazers-season)1–00–11–1205212
[Sacramento Kings](1988-89-sacramento-kings-season)1–01–02–0217184
[Seattle SuperSonics](1988-89-seattle-supersonics-season)1–01–02–0223204
6–04–210–215361433

Playoffs

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | 8:00p.m. EDT | Boston | W 101–91 | Dumars (25) | Laimbeer (12) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | 3:30p.m. EDT | Boston | W 102–95 | Thomas (26) | Laimbeer (15) | Thomas (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | 8:00p.m. EDT | @ Boston | W 100–85 | Johnson (25) | Rodman (9) | Thomas (10) | Boston Garden 14,890

3–0
- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
1

| 8:00p.m. EDT | Milwaukee | W 85–80 | Laimbeer (19) | Laimbeer (17) | Dumars (6) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | 8:00p.m. EDT | Milwaukee | W 112–92 | Salley (23) | Rodman (13) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | 3:30p.m. EDT | @ Milwaukee | W 110–90 | Thomas (26) | Laimbeer (11) | Dumars (10) | Bradley Center 18,633 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | 8:00p.m. EDT | @ Milwaukee | W 96–94 | Dumars (22) | Thomas (10) | Thomas (13) | Bradley Center 18,633

4–0
- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
1

| 1:00p.m. EDT | Chicago | L 88–94 | Mahorn (17) | Laimbeer (15) | Thomas (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | 8:00p.m. EDT | Chicago | W 100–91 | Thomas (33) | Rodman (12) | Thomas (4) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | 2:00p.m. EDT | @ Chicago | L 97–99 | Aguirre (25) | Rodman (13) | Thomas (11) | Chicago Stadium 18,676 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | 3:00p.m. EDT | @ Chicago | W 86–80 | Thomas (27) | Rodman (18) | Thomas (6) | Chicago Stadium 18,676 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | 8:00p.m. EDT | Chicago | W 94–85 | Johnson (22) | Rodman (14) | Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | 9:00p.m. EDT | @ Chicago | W 103–94 | Thomas (33) | Rodman (15) | Dumars (9) | Chicago Stadium 18,676

4–2
-
- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
1

| 9:00p.m. EDT | L.A. Lakers | W 109–97 | Thomas (24) | Aguirre, Rodman (10) | Thomas (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | 9:00p.m. EDT | L.A. Lakers | W 108–105 | Dumars (33) | Aguirre (6) | Thomas (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | 3:30p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Lakers | W 114–110 | Dumars (31) | Rodman (19) | Thomas (8) | Great Western Forum 17,505 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | 9:00p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Lakers | W 105–97 | Dumars (23) | Johnson, Laimbeer (6) | Dumars, Johnson, Thomas (5) | Great Western Forum 17,505

4–0

Playoffs

After finishing with the best record in the NBA, the Pistons swept through the first two rounds of the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference finals, they faced the Chicago Bulls, whom they had defeated in the conference semifinals a year earlier. Although the Bulls were able to win two of the first three games, the Pistons' use of their "Jordan Rules" defense wore out Michael Jordan, setting up Detroit's second consecutive NBA Finals appearance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Player stats

Regular season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
363229.7.483.293.7384.22.5.44.1915.5
424231.9.521.000.8393.92.2.55.1418.4
1403.4.474.000.500.5.1.00.071.9
3102.4.333.000.800.7.2.03.001.2
696734.9.505.483.8502.55.7.91.0717.2
76116.5.500.000.6863.0.6.14.417.3
302.3.250.0001.000.7.0.33.001.3
822125.3.464.295.7343.13.0.90.2113.8
818132.6.499.349.8409.62.2.631.2313.7
2416.3.475.000.846.5.6.00.082.0
726124.9.517.000.7486.9.8.56.927.2
502.81.000.000.000.6.0.20.00.8
82826.9.595.231.6269.41.2.67.939.0
601.3.000.0001.000.3.0.00.00.7
672121.8.498.000.6925.01.1.601.077.0
807636.6.464.273.8183.48.31.66.2518.2
4907.3.364.222.660.61.4.27.062.6

Playoffs

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
171727.2.489.276.7374.41.6.47.1812.6
202.01.000.000.000.0.0.00.001.0
171736.5.455.083.8612.65.6.71.0617.6
17018.6.471.000.7842.1.7.06.477.1
17021.9.455.417.7582.62.5.24.1814.1
171729.2.465.357.8068.21.8.35.4710.1
402.01.000.0001.000.0.0.00.001.2
171721.2.580.000.6545.1.4.53.765.7
17024.1.529.000.68610.0.9.35.715.8
17023.1.586.000.6674.6.5.531.478.9
171737.2.412.267.7404.38.31.59.2418.2
401.5.000.0001.000.5.5.25.00.5

Player statistics citation:

NBA Finals

Main article: 1989 NBA Finals

The Pistons' overpowering play allowed them to sweep the Lakers, who struggled to fill the defensive void left by Byron Scott's injury prior to the start of the Finals. Joe Dumars was named Finals MVP. In addition, Magic Johnson pulled a hamstring early in the second game, and unable to play the rest of the series. The Lakers' depleted backcourt allowed the Pistons to easily win the 1988–89 NBA Championship.

GameHome TeamRoad Teamseries
Game 1**Detroit** 109L.A. Lakers 971–0
Game 2**Detroit** 108L.A. Lakers 1052–0
Game 3:L.A. Lakers 110**Detroit** 1143–0
Game 4:L.A. Lakers 97**Detroit** 1054–0

Pistons win series 4–0

Award winners

  • Joe Dumars, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
  • Joe Dumars, NBA All-Defensive First Team
  • Dennis Rodman, NBA All-Defensive First Team

References

References

  1. "1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats".
  2. "Detroit Pistons at Phoenix Suns Box Score, November 18, 1988". Basketball-Reference.
  3. "NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989". Basketball-Reference.
  4. Waitzkin, Fred. (January 8, 1989). "What Drives the Pistons". The New York Times.
  5. McCallum, Jack. (March 6, 1989). "And the Winner Is...; Who Got the Better Deal, Detroit in Mark Aguirre or Dallas in Adrian Dantley?".
  6. (March 19, 2013). "Dantley Was Ushered Out of Detroit Before He Could Win a Title". Vintage Detroit.
  7. Mike, Rabun. (February 15, 1989). "The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons Wednesday Exchanged All-Star...". United Press International.
  8. (February 16, 1989). "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Mavericks Send Aguirre to Pistons for Dantley". The New York Times.
  9. Baker, Chris. (February 16, 1989). "Pistons Acquire Aguirre in Trade for Dantley, Pick". Los Angeles Times.
  10. Cotton, Anthony. (October 18, 1989). "He May Play for Dallas Now, But Don't Brand Dantley a Maverick". The Washington Post.
  11. "1988–89 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference.
  12. Feldman, Dan. (2012-01-09). "Chevette to Corvette No. 1: The 1988-89 Detroit Pistons".
  13. "1988–89 Detroit Pistons Rostr and Stats". Basketball-Reference.
  14. McManis, Sam. (February 12, 1989). "Today's All-Star Game May Lack the Usual Magic: Without Johnson and Bird, NBA Showcase Just Won't Be the Same". Los Angeles Times.
  15. (September 13, 2021). "1989 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com.
  16. "1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134". Basketball-Reference.
  17. (May 23, 1989). "NBA MVP Voting". The Victoria Advocate.
  18. "1988–89 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference.
  19. (May 11, 1989). "IN BRIEF: Utah's Eaton Gets Defensive Award". Los Angeles Times.
  20. (May 8, 1989). "Suns' Johnson Wins NBA's 6th Man Award". Los Angeles Times.
  21. (May 16, 1989). "Johnson Named Most Improved Player". Lewiston Tribune.
  22. (May 25, 1989). "Fitzsimmons Coach of Year". Los Angeles Times.
  23. Gold, Allan R.. (May 3, 1989). "Pistons' Defense Smothers Celtics' Season". The New York Times.
  24. Aldridge, David. (May 3, 1989). "Pistons Finish Sweep of Celtics". The Washington Post.
  25. "1989 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Celtics vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference.
  26. Brown, Clifton. (May 16, 1989). "Pistons Edge Bucks to Complete a Sweep". The New York Times.
  27. (May 16, 1989). "NBA PLAYOFFS: Pistons Sweep Bucks Out of the Way". Los Angeles Times.
  28. "1989 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bucks vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference.
  29. Brown, Clifton. (June 3, 1989). "Pistons Earn a Rematch with Lakers in Final". The New York Times.
  30. Downey, Mike. (June 3, 1989). "No Bull, Lakers Get Pistons Again: After Smoke Clears, "Gangsters" Have 103-94 Victory in Game 6". Los Angeles Times.
  31. "1989 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference.
  32. Goldaper, Sam. (June 14, 1989). "Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers". The New York Times.
  33. McManis, Sam. (June 14, 1989). "Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97". Los Angeles Times.
  34. "1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference.
  35. Brown, Clifton. (June 16, 1989). "Knicks' Green Is Taken First in N.B.A.'s Expansion Draft". The New York Times.
  36. Howard-Cooper, Scott. (June 16, 1989). "NBA Expansion Draft: Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers". Los Angeles Times.
  37. "1989 NBA Expansion Draft". Basketball-Reference.
  38. (October 28, 1989). "Mahorn Traded to 76ers". The New York Times.
  39. (October 28, 1989). "Mahorn Is Traded to 76ers". Los Angeles Times.
  40. (October 28, 1989). "Timberwolves Trade Mahorn to the 76ers". The Washington Post.
  41. "1988 NBA Draft on Basketballreference.com".
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