1987–88 Detroit Pistons season

March 2026 August 2023 Detroit Pistons yes yes 1988 54 28 Central 1 2 Chuck Daly Pontiac Silverdome Jack McCloskey William Davidson PASS Sports(Fred McLeod, Tom Wilson)WKBD(George Blaha, Hubie Brown, Greg Kelser, Dick Motta) WWJ–AM(George Blaha, Hubie Brown, Greg Kelser, Dick Motta) NBA Finals(lost to Lakers 3–4) DET thumb|right|300px|A ticket for Game 1 of the 1988 NBA Finals at The Forum. The 1987–88 Detroit Pistons season was the 40th season for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association, and their 31st season in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/ August 6, 2026 This was also the team's final season in which they played their home games at the Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Pontiac, Michigan. Season summary Regular season After a 7–5 start to the regular season, the Pistons posted a 10-game winning streak in December, and later on held a 25–16 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 4, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.cgi?month=2&day=4&year=1988 July 6, 2025 At mid-season, the team acquired James Edwards from the Phoenix Suns. Sports People: Suns Trade Edwards The New York Times February 25, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/25/sports/sports-people-suns-trade-edwards.html July 6, 2025 The Phoenix Suns Traded Center James Edwards... Los Angeles Times February 25, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-25-sp-45069-story.html July 6, 2025 Baker Chris The NBA: At Phoenix, Suns Are Starting All Over Again Los Angeles Times March 1, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-01-sp-45-story.html July 6, 2025 The Pistons posted a seven-game winning streak in March, finished in first place in the Central Division with a 54–28 record, and earned the second seed in the Eastern Conference; 1987–88 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1988_games.html July 6, 2025 it was the first Division title for the franchise since moving to Detroit in 1957, as the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. Adrian Dantley led the Pistons in scoring with 20.0 points per game, while Isiah Thomas averaged 19.5 points, 8.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game, and Joe Dumars provided the team with 14.2 points and 4.7 assists per game. In addition, Bill Laimbeer averaged 13.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, while Vinnie Johnson contributed 12.2 points and 3.3 assists per game, and second-year forward Dennis Rodman provided with 11.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Rick Mahorn averaged 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and second-year center John Salley contributed 8.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. 1987–88 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1988.html July 6, 2025 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, Thomas was selected for the 1988 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Thomas, a native of Chicago, dished out 15 assists as the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 138–133. Barnard Bill Today's NBA All-Star Game Will Be Homecoming of Sorts for 3 Players Los Angeles Times February 7, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-07-sp-41271-story.html July 6, 2025 NBA.com Staff 1988 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1988 July 6, 2025 1988 NBA All-Star Game: East 138, West 133 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1988.html July 6, 2025 Thomas also finished in twelfth place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Dantley finished tied in 14th place, 1987–88 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1988.html July 6, 2025 and Rodman finished tied in eighth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The Pistons led the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 1,066,505 at the Pontiac Silverdome during the regular season. 1987–88 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1988.html February 26, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1988 NBA playoffs, the Pistons faced off against the 7th–seeded Washington Bullets, a team that featured All-Star center Moses Malone, All-Star guard Jeff Malone, and Bernard King. The Pistons won the first two games over the Bullets at home at the Pontiac Silverdome, before losing the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 loss to the Bullets at the Capital Centre, 106–103. Associated Press  N.B.A. Playoffs: Bullets Tie Pistons  The New York Times  May 5, 1988  https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/05/sports/nba-playoffs-bullets-tie-pistons.html June 19, 2026 Associated Press  Malone's Shot Beats Pistons  The Blade  May 5, 1988  30  https://books.google.com/books?id=u9MpAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA20&dq=1988+Washington+Bullets+Detroit+Pistons+106-103&article_id=6941,6420026&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjOtJ-t0pOVAxVo5MkDHYEzEooQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q&f=false June 19, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 4: Detroit Pistons at Washington Bullets Box Score, May 4, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805040WSB.html June 19, 2026 With the series tied at 2–2, the Pistons won Game 5 over the Bullets at the Pontiac Silverdome, 99–78 to win in a hard-fought five-game series. Love Ian NBA Playoff Roundup United Press International May 8, 1988 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/08/NBA-Playoff-Roundup/1240579067200/ April 8, 2026 Associated Press Jordan Carries Bulls to Win; Pistons, Hawks Victorious The Ledger May 9, 1988 5D https://books.google.com/books?id=s5QsAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA18&dq=1988+Atlanta+Hawks+Milwaukee+Bucks+121-111&article_id=1256,6491335&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwic24Do8t-NAxUEVTABHVEUCKQQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=1988%20Atlanta%20Hawks%20Milwaukee%20Bucks%20121-111&f=false April 8, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Bullets vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-pistons.html July 6, 2025 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 3rd–seeded Chicago Bulls, who were led by All-Star guard, Most Valuable Player, and Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Jordan, Charles Oakley and Sam Vincent. The Pistons won Game 1 over the Bulls at the Pontiac Silverdome, 93–82, but then lost Game 2 at home by a score of 105–95, as the Bulls evened the series. 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1: Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 10, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805100DET.html June 30, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 2: Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 12, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805120DET.html June 30, 2026 The Pistons managed to win the next two games on the road at the Chicago Stadium, before winning Game 5 over the Bulls at the Pontiac Silverdome, 102–95 to win the series in five games. Associated Press  N.B.A. Playoffs: Pistons Take Series  The New York Times  May 19, 1988  https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/19/sports/nba-playoffs-pistons-take-series.html April 8, 2026 Bulls Battle, But Ousted by Pistons  Chicago Tribune  May 19, 1988  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/05/19/bulls-battle-but-ousted-by-pistons/ April 8, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bulls vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bulls-vs-pistons.html July 6, 2025 In the Eastern Conference Finals, and for the second consecutive year, the Pistons faced off against the top–seeded, and Atlantic Division champion Boston Celtics, who were led by the All-Star quartet of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Danny Ainge. The Pistons took a 2–1 series lead before losing Game 4 to the Celtics at the Pontiac Silverdome, 79–78, as the Celtics evened the series; the Pistons struggled only shooting .333 in field-goal percentage in Game 4. Now the Celtics Are Winning Ugly  Chicago Tribune  May 31, 1988  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/05/31/now-the-celtics-are-winning-ugly/ June 20, 2026 Barnard Bill  Celtics Grab Ugly Victory  The Spokesman-Review  May 31, 1988  B1  https://books.google.com/books?id=3L5YAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA9&dq=1988+Boston+Celtics+Detroit+Pistons+79-78&article_id=6547,8769545&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi67_DIkpaVAxWDgGoFHbI5EiMQ6AF6BAgOEAM#v=onepage&q=1988%20Boston%20Celtics%20Detroit%20Pistons%2079-78&f=false June 20, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 4: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 30, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805300DET.html June 20, 2026 The Pistons managed to win Game 5 over the Celtics on the road in overtime, 102–96 at the Boston Garden, 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 5: Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics Box Score, June 1, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198806010BOS.html June 21, 2026 before winning Game 6 at the Pontiac Silverdome, 95–90 to win the series in six games, and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1956, when the team was based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Wilbon Michael  Celtics Are Knocked Out by Pistons, 95-90  The Washington Post  June 3, 1988  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1988/06/04/celtics-are-knocked-out-by-pistons-95-90/66bf0045-89ef-456c-ab78-3f63e909167c/ April 8, 2026 Goldaper Sam  Pistons Knock Out Celtics to Reach Final Round  The New York Times  June 4, 1988  https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/04/sports/pistons-knock-out-celtics-to-reach-final-round.html April 8, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons vs. Celtics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-finals-pistons-vs-celtics.html July 6, 2025 In the 1988 NBA Finals, the Pistons faced off against the top–seeded, and defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, who were led by the quartet of All-Star guard Magic Johnson, All-Star forward James Worthy, Byron Scott and All-Star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Pistons won Game 1 over the Lakers on the road, 105–93 at the Great Western Forum, but then lost the next two games as the Lakers took a 2–1 series lead. The Pistons managed to win the next two games, including a Game 5 home win over the Lakers at the Pontiac Silverdome, 104–94 to take a 3–2 series lead. Baker Chris  Dad's Day: A New Father, Isiah Thomas Keeps Things Going His Way with the Pistons  Los Angeles Times  June 17, 1988  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-17-sp-5640-story.html June 19, 2026 Barnes Mike  Adrian Dantley and Joe Dumars, the Two Quietest Pistons,...  United Press International  June 17, 1988  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/06/17/Adrian-Dantley-and-Joe-Dumars-the-two-quietest-Pistons/4314582523200/ June 19, 2026 1988 NBA Finals Game 5: Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons Box Score, June 16, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198806160DET.html May 29, 2026 However, in Game 6 at the Great Western Forum, Thomas suffered a gruesome ankle injury; on the sidelines, camera shots displayed the critical condition of Thomas's foot, as he could barely fit his shoe back on, but he insisted on playing. Hobbling badly for the rest of the game, Thomas put on a show, scoring 25 points in the third quarter, and 43 points in the game. Goldaper Sam Lakers Send Final to Game 7 The New York Times June 20, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/20/sports/lakers-send-final-to-game-7.html August 18, 2025 Downey Mike Thomas Is Bloody, Not Yet Beaten Los Angeles Times June 20, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-20-sp-3442-story.html August 18, 2025 Goldaper Sam N.B.A. Playoffs: Odds Are Against Thomas's Return The New York Times June 21, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/21/sports/nba-playoffs-odds-are-against-thomas-s-return.html August 18, 2025 In the closing seconds, and with the Pistons ahead, there was a controversial call on Laimbeer. Abdul-Jabbar feinted over his right shoulder to the middle, then pivoted to his left for his classic sky hook along the baseline; Laimbeer raised his hands straight above his head to show he was not fouling, and yet was called for what Lakers head coach Pat Riley would call a "phantom foul".https://thecentraltrend.com/95696/fx-student-news-show/sports/rewind-1988-nba-finals-los-angeles-lakers-vs-detroit-pistons/ Rewind: 1988 NBA Finals—Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons Thomas Cobbhttps://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=BestFinalsGame-Individual-7 Hollinger: Best single-game performances: No. 7 June 11, 2010 ESPN.comhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/2103545-pat-riley-admits-84-lakers-benefited-from-phantom-foul-vs-detroit-pistons Pat Riley Admits '88 Lakers Benefited from Phantom Foul vs. Detroit Pistons Ethan Skolnick Bleacher Report The Pistons lost to the Lakers, 103–102 as Abdul-Jabbar made both free throws to even the series. Baker Chris  The NBA Championship Series: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons: Worthy Sleeps on It. Then He Awakens the Lakers With a Team-High 28 Points and Big Rebounds  Los Angeles Times  June 20, 1988  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-20-sp-3432-story.html June 19, 2026 1988 NBA Finals Game 6: Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, June 19, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198806190LAL.html June 19, 2026 In Game 7 at the Great Western Forum, and with a very limited Thomas, the Pistons lost to the Lakers, 108–105, thus losing in a hard-fought seven-game series, as the Lakers won their second consecutive NBA championship. Goldaper Sam N.B.A. Playoffs: Lakers Hold Off Pesky Pistons to Regain Their Title The New York Times June 22, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/22/sports/nba-playoffs-lakers-hold-off-pesky-pistons-to-regain-their-title.html July 8, 2025 Lakers Repeat as Champions in Tight Game Los Angeles Times June 22, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-22-mn-4645-story.html July 8, 2025 1988 NBA Finals: Pistons vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-finals-pistons-vs-lakers.html July 6, 2025 Aftermath Game 5 of the NBA Finals was the franchise's last game at the Pontiac Silverdome, as the Pistons would move to another Detroit-area suburban arena, the purpose-built arena known as The Palace of Auburn Hills, the following season. Draft picks 1987 NBA draft Roster Detroit Pistons 1987–88 #00008B #FFFFFF #DC143C #FFFFFF 25 William Bedford basketball C 7 0 225 Memphis 45 Adrian Dantley SF 6 5 208 University of Notre Dame 50 Darryl Dawkins C 6 11 251 Maynard Evans High School 4 Joe Dumars SG 6 3 190 McNeese State University 53 James Edwards basketball C-F 7 1 225 University of Washington 15 Vinnie Johnson SG 6 2 200 Baylor University 40 Bill Laimbeer C 6 11 245 University of Notre Dame 35 Ralph Lewis basketball SG 6 6 200 La Salle University 44 Rick Mahorn F-C 6 10 240 Hampton University 54 Ron Moore basketball C 7 0 195 West Virginia State University 42 Chuck Nevitt C 7 5 217 North Carolina State University 10 Dennis Rodman F 6 7 220 Southeastern Oklahoma State University 23 Walker Russell SG 6 5 195 Western Michigan University 22 John Salley F-C 6 11 230 Georgia Institute of Technology 11 Isiah Thomas PG 6 1 180 Indiana Chuck Daly Ron Rothstein Dick Versace Regular season Season standings DET DET Record vs. opponents vs. Eastern Conference vs. Atlantic Division 1987–88 NBA recordsTeamBOSNJNNYKPHIWSBTotal Atlanta 2–4 5–0 3–3 6–0 3–3 19–10 Chicago 3–3 5–1 3–2 4–2 3–3 18–11 Cleveland 3–2 5–1 2–4 3–2 6–0 19–9 Detroit 3–3 5–1 4–2 4–1 3–2 19–9 Indiana 0–5 6–0 2–3 2–4 2–4 12–16 Milwaukee 3–3 3–2 3–3 2–4 4–1 15–13 vs. Central Division 1987–88 NBA recordsTeamATLCHICLEDETINDMILTotal Atlanta — 2–3 5–1 2–4 3–3 4–2 16–13 Chicago 3–2 — 3–3 2–4 3–3 5–1 16–13 Cleveland 1–5 3–3 — 1–5 4–2 2–4 11–19 Detroit 4–2 4–2 5–1 — 3–3 4–2 20–10 Indiana 2–4 3–3 2–4 3–3 — 3–3 13–17 Milwaukee 3–3 1–5 4–2 2–4 3–3 — 13–17 vs. Western Conference vs. Midwest Division 1987–88 NBA recordsTeamDALDENHOUSACSASUTATotal Atlanta 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 8–4 Chicago 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 7–5 Cleveland 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 7–5 Detroit 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 8–4 Indiana 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 6–6 Milwaukee 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 5–7 vs. Pacific Division 1987–88 NBA recordsTeamGSWLACLALPHOPORSEATotal Atlanta 2–0 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 7–5 Chicago 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 9–3 Cleveland 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 5–7 Detroit 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 7–5 Indiana 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 7–5 Milwaukee 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 9–3 Game log Regular season Detroit Pistons 1988 #0000FF #FF0000 Total: 54–28 (home: 34–7; road: 20–21) Detroit Pistons November yes #FF0000 #0000FF 3 1 4 4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 || November 6, 19877:30 PM EST || New York | W 110–99 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome28,676 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | November 7, 19879:00p.m. EST | @ Milwaukee | L 105–119 | Dantley,Dumars (20) | Rodman (8) | Thomas (8) | MECCA Arena11,052 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 || November 10, 19877:30 PM EST || @ Indiana | L 118–121 | | | | Market Square Arena11,885 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 || November 13, 19877:30 PM EST || @ Philadelphia | W 113–94 | | | | The Spectrum12,302 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | November 14, 19877:30p.m. EST | @ Cleveland | W 128–113 | Thomas (32) | Rodman (10) | Dumars,Thomas (9) | Richfield Coliseum10,157 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 || November 18, 19877:30 PM EST || Philadelphia | L 109–113 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome17,445 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 || November 20, 19877:30 PM EST || Golden State | W 131–108 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome20,362 | 4–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 8 | November 21, 19878:30p.m. EST | @ Chicago | W 144–132 (OT) | Dantley (45) | Mahorn,Rodman (8) | Thomas (10) | Chicago Stadium18,466 | 5–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 9 || November 24, 19878:00 PM EST || @ Houston | W 97–83 | | | | The Summit16,611 | 6–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 10 | November 25, 19878:30p.m. EST | @ Dallas | L 107–113 | Dumars (19) | Rodman (10) | Thomas (15) | Reunion Arena17,007 | 6–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 11 || November 27, 19877:30 PM EST || San Antonio | W 143–111 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome30,743 | 7–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 12 | November 28, 19877:30p.m. EST | @ Washington | L 102–124 | Dantley,Thomas (22) | Mahorn (14) | Dumars (8) | Capital Centre13,028 | 7–5 Detroit Pistons December #FF0000 #0000FF 8 1 3 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 13 || December 1, 19877:30 PM EST || @ New Jersey | W 124–115 (OT) | | | | Brendan Byrne Arena8,232 | 8–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 14 | December 2, 19877:30p.m. EST | Milwaukee | W 115–105 | Dantley (25) | Laimbeer (16) | Thomas (13) | Pontiac Silverdome18,780 | 9–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 15 | December 4, 19877:30p.m. EST | Boston | W 128–105 | Dantley (21) | Mahorn (14) | Thomas (12) | Pontiac Silverdome34,523 | 10–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 16 || December 8, 19877:30 PM EST || Portland | W 127–117 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome17,126 | 11–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 17 | December 11, 19877:30 PM EST || Washington | W 114–108 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome17,884 | 12–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 18 || December 12, 19877:30p.m. EST | New York | W 124–96 | Dantley (29) | Laimbeer (11) | Thomas (9) | Pontiac Silverdome21,368 | 13–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 19 | December 15, 19878:00p.m. EST | Chicago | W 127–123 (OT) | Laimbeer (29) | Mahorn (14) | Dantley (7) | Pontiac Silverdome23,729 | 14–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 20 | December 18, 19877:30p.m. EST | Dallas | W 117–112 | Dantley (28) | Laimbeer (15) | Johnson (11) | Pontiac Silverdome19,426 | 15–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 21 || December 25, 198712 Noon EST || @ New York | W 91–87 | | | | Madison Square Garden14,549 | 16–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 22 || December 26, 19877:30 PM EST || New Jersey | W 110–75 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome23,330 | 17–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 23 || December 29, 19877:30 PM EST || Houston | L 91–101 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome26,498 | 17–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 24 || December 30, 19877:30 PM EST || @ Indiana | W 105–95 | | | | Market Square Arena12,945 | 18–6 Detroit Pistons January #FF0000 #0000FF 4 2 2 6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 25 | January 2, 19887:30p.m. EST | Denver | L 142–151 | Thomas (40) | Laimbeer (13) | Thomas (17) | Pontiac Silverdome23,746 | 18–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 26 | January 5, 19888:00p.m. EST | @ Atlanta | L 71–81 | Thomas (18) | Laimbeer (16) | Thomas (6) | The Omni16,451 | 18–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 27 | January 6, 19887:30p.m. EST | Atlanta | W 90–87 | Thomas (18) | Rodman (16) | Thomas (7) | Pontiac Silverdome25,749 | 19–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 28 | January 8, 19888:00p.m. EST | L.A. Lakers | L 104–106 | Dantley,Dumars (25) | Laimbeer,Mahorn (11) | Thomas (10) | Pontiac Silverdome40,278 | 19–9 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 29 | January 13, 19887:30p.m. EST | @ Boston | L 105–143 | Dantley (24) | Mahorn (7) | Johnson (8) | Boston Garden14,890 | 19–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 30 | January 15, 19887:30p.m. EST | Cleveland | W 97–93 | Dantley (38) | Dantley,Mahorn (10) | Thomas (11) | Pontiac Silverdome19,622 | 20–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 31 | January 16, 19888:30p.m. EST | @ Chicago | L 99–115 | Johnson (22) | Rodman (13) | Thomas (11) | Chicago Stadium18,676 | 20–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 32 | January 18, 19884:00p.m. EST | @ Denver | W 123–116 | Dantley (32) | Laimbeer (17) | Thomas (10) | McNichols Sports Arena13,004 | 21–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 33 | January 20, 19889:30p.m. EST | @ Utah | W 120–117 | Dantley,Thomas (28) | Laimbeer (15) | Thomas (12) | Salt Palace12,212 | 22–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 34 | January 22, 198810:30p.m. EST | @ Seattle | L 106–109 | Laimbeer (21) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (15) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,737 | 22–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 35 || January 24, 198810:00 PM EST || @ Portland | L 111–119 | | | | Memorial Coliseum12,666 | 22–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 36 || January 27, 19887:30 PM EST || Indiana | W 103–86 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome19,801 | 23–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 37 | January 29, 19888:00p.m. EST | Boston | W 125–108 | Dantley (22) | Laimbeer,Mahorn,Salley (11) | Thomas (12) | Pontiac Silverdome61,983 | 24–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 38 || January 30, 19887:30 PM EST || @ New Jersey | L 104–116 | | | | Brendan Byrne Arena11,894 | 24–14 Detroit Pistons February #FF0000 #0000FF 7 0 4 4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 39 | February 1, 19887:30p.m. EST | @ Cleveland | L 83–94 | Dantley (20) | Laimbeer (13) | Thomas (11) | Richfield Coliseum10,636 | 24–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 40 | February 2, 19888:30p.m. EST | @ Milwaukee | W 99–97 | Mahorn (28) | Laimbeer (13) | Dumars (6) | MECCA Arena11,052 | 25–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 41 || February 4, 19887:30 PM EST || @ New York | L 93–100 | | | | Madison Square Garden14,363 | 25–16 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 42 | February 9, 19888:30 PM EST | @ Chicago | W 89–74 | Laimbeer (17) | Laimbeer (18) | Dumars,Johnson,Laimbeer (6) | Chicago Stadium17,846 | 26–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 43 || February 10, 19887:30 PM EST || New York | W 98–87 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome19,160 | 27–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 44 | February 12, 19888:00p.m. EST | Atlanta | W 108–92 | Thomas (25) | Laimbeer (12) | Johnson (10) | Pontiac Silverdome35,884 | 28–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 45 | February 13, 19887:30p.m. EST | Chicago | W 82–73 | Rodman (15) | Rodman (19) | Thomas (7) | Pontiac Silverdome40,369 | 29–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 46 || February 15, 19887:30 PM EST || Philadelphia | W 102–95 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome21,530 | 30–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 47 | February 18, 19887:30p.m. EST | Seattle | W 108–95 | Johnson (27) | Rodman (10) | Thomas (12) | Pontiac Silverdome24,482 | 31–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 48 | February 19, 19889:00p.m. EST | @ Milwaukee | L 108–119 | Thomas (32) | Mahorn,Rodman (11) | Thomas (9) | MECCA Arena11,052 | 31–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 49 | February 21, 19883:30p.m. EST | @ L.A. Lakers | L 110–117 | Thomas (42) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (10) | The Forum17,505 | 31–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 50 || February 23, 198810:30 PM EST || @ Sacramento | W 121–105 | | | | ARCO Arena10,333 | 32–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 51 || February 24, 198810:30 PM EST || @ Golden State | W 107–93 | | | | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena14,340 | 33–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 52 || February 26, 19887:30 PM EST || New Jersey | W 137–109 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome25,334 | 34–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 53 | February 28, 198812Noon EST | Boston | W 106–101 | Dantley (19) | Laimbeer,Mahorn (11) | Dumars (10) | Pontiac Silverdome37,462 | 35–18 Detroit Pistons March #FF0000 #0000FF 8 1 3 4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 54 | March 1, 19887:30p.m. EST || @ Atlanta | W 117–104 | Dumars (25) | Laimbeer,Rodman (9) | Dumars (9) | The Omni16,451 | 36–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 55 || March 2, 19887:30 PM EST || L.A. Clippers | W 103–90 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome16,554 | 37–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 56 | March 5, 19887:30p.m. EST | @ Washington | L 97–101 | Johnson,Thomas (17) | Mahorn (17) | Thomas (8) | Capital Centre15,656 | 37–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 57 | March 6, 19887:00p.m. EST | Milwaukee | W 109–99 | Laimbeer (22) | Rodman (11) | Thomas (10) | Pontiac Silverdome24,751 | 38–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 58 || March 8, 19887:30 PM EST || @ Indiana | L 104–117 | | | | Market Square Arena13,220 | 38–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 59 | March 9, 19887:30p.m. EST | Utah | W 103–98 | Laimbeer (27) | Rodman (13) | Thomas (8) | Pontiac Silverdome20,623 | 39–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 60 || March 11, 19887:30 PM EST || Phoenix | W 116–88 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome21,612 | 40–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 61 | March 12, 19887:30p.m. EST | Cleveland | W 104–100 | Dumars,Laimbeer,Thomas (16) | Laimbeer (13) | Thomas (13) | Pontiac Silverdome33,854 | 41–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 62 || March 14, 19887:30 PM EST || Sacramento | W 109–97 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome16,909 | 42–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 63 | March 17, 19887:30p.m. EST | @ Cleveland | W 102–99 | Dantley (20) | Rodman (14) | Thomas (8) | Richfield Coliseum13,261 | 43–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 64 | March 20, 19887:00p.m. EST | Washington | W 118–110 | Dumars (25) | Salley (9) | Thomas (6) | Pontiac Silverdome22,075 | 44–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 65 || March 22, 19887:30 PM EST || Indiana | W 123–104 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome18,645 | 45–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 66 || March 25, 19888:30 PM EST || @ San Antonio | L 106–107 | | | | HemisFair Arena8,596 | 45–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 67 || March 26, 19889:30 PM EST || @ Phoenix | W 108–103 | | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,025 | 46–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 68 || March 28, 198810:30 PM EST || @ L.A. Clippers | L 100–102 | | | | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena12,156 | 46–22 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 69 | March 30, 19887:30p.m. EST | Atlanta | L 102–103 | Thomas (35) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (6) | Pontiac Silverdome47,692 | 46–23 Detroit Pistons April #FF0000 #0000FF 4 2 4 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 70 | April 1, 19888:00p.m. EST | @ Boston | L 110–121 | Laimbeer (22) | Rodman (8) | Thomas (10) | Boston Garden14,890 | 46–24 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 71 | April 3, 19881:30p.m. EDT | Chicago | L 110–112 | Thomas (24) | Rodman (9) | Dumars (9) | Pontiac Silverdome23,712 | 46–25 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 72 || April 5, 19887:30 PM EDT || @ New Jersey | W 125–108 | | | | Brendan Byrne Arena11,586 | 47–25 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 73 || April 8, 19887:30 PM EDT || @ Philadelphia | W 96–86 | | | | The Spectrum15,164 | 48–25 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 74 | April 9, 19887:30p.m. EDT | @ Atlanta | W 115–102 | Thomas (20) | Laimbeer (16) | Dumars (8) | The Omni16,451 | 49–25 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 75 || April 11, 19887:30 PM EDT || @ New York | L 111–114 (OT) | | | | Madison Square Garden13,312 | 49–26 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 76 | April 13, 19887:30p.m. EDT | Cleveland | W 115–98 | Dantley (28) | Laimbeer (13) | Dumars (6) | Pontiac Silverdome18,808 | 50–26 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 77 | April 15, 19888:00p.m. EDT | Milwaukee | W 92–91 | Rodman (18) | Laimbeer,Mahorn (10) | Thomas (8) | Pontiac Silverdome27,126 | 51–26 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 78 || April 16, 19887:30 PM EDT || New Jersey | W 114–96 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome22,767 | 52–26 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 79 | April 19, 19887:30p.m. EDT | @ Boston | L 110–121 | Thomas (21) | Rodman (11) | Thomas (8) | Boston Garden14,890 | 52–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 80 | April 21, 19887:30p.m. EDT | @ Washington | W 99–87 | Dantley (31) | Rodman (7) | Thomas (8) | Capital Centre11,713 | 53–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 81 || April 22, 19887:30 PM EDT || Indiana | L 98–103 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome27,881 | 53–28 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 82 || April 24, 19887:00 PM EDT || Philadelphia | W 128–118 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome27,854 | 54–28 DET 1988 Playoffs Detroit Pistons yes 1988 #0000FF #FF0000 Detroit Pistons Eastern Conference First Round yes yes no #FF0000 #0000FF 3 0 0 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 28, 19887:30p.m. EDT | Washington | W 96–87 | Thomas (34) | Laimbeer (12) | Dumars (6) | Pontiac Silverdome17,356 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 30, 19888:00p.m. EDT | Washington | W 102–101 | Thomas (30) | Laimbeer (11) | Dumars (5) | Pontiac Silverdome18,293 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 2, 19888:00p.m. EDT | @ Washington | L 106–114 (OT) | Thomas (29) | Laimbeer (8) | Thomas (8) | Capital Centre9,673 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 4, 19888:00 PM EDT | @ Washington | L 103–106 | Dantley,Rodman (23) | Laimbeer (10) | Thomas (10) | Capital Centre10,513 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 8, 19883:30p.m. EDT | Washington | W 99–78 | Dumars (20) | Laimbeer (11) | Thomas (11) | Pontiac Silverdome18,403 | 3–2 |- Detroit Pistons Eastern Conference Semifinals yes no #FF0000 #0000FF 2 1 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 10, 19888:30p.m. EDT | Chicago | W 93–82 | Dantley (23) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (8) | Pontiac Silverdome18,312 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 12, 19888:00p.m. EDT | Chicago | L 95–105 | Thomas (25) | Laimbeer (14) | Thomas (13) | Pontiac Silverdome20,281 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 14, 19881:00p.m. EDT | @ Chicago | W 101–79 | Johnson (23) | Laimbeer (10) | Thomas (11) | Chicago Stadium18,676 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 15, 19883:30p.m. EDT | @ Chicago | W 96–77 | Dantley (24) | Laimbeer (13) | Thomas (11) | Chicago Stadium18,676 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 18, 19888:30p.m. EDT | Chicago | W 102–95 | Thomas (25) | Laimbeer (13) | Thomas (9) | Pontiac Silverdome21,371 | 4–1 Detroit Pistons Eastern Conference Finals yes no #FF0000 #0000FF 2 1 2 1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | May 25, 19888:00p.m. EDT | @ Boston | W 104–96 | Thomas (35) | Mahorn (10) | Thomas (12) | Boston Garden14,890 | 1–0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | May 26, 19888:00p.m. EDT | @ Boston | L 115–119 (2OT) | Thomas (24) | Salley (12) | Thomas (11) | Boston Garden14,890 | 1–1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | May 28, 19883:30p.m. EDT | Boston | W 98–94 | Dumars (29) | Salley (9) | Thomas (6) | Pontiac Silverdome26,481 | 2–1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | May 30, 19883:00p.m. EDT | Boston | L 78–79 | Laimbeer (29) | Mahorn,Salley,Thomas (8) | Thomas (7) | Pontiac Silverdome26,625 | 2–2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | June 1, 19888:00p.m. EDT | @ Boston | W 102–96 (OT) | Thomas (35) | Salley (9) | Dumars,Thomas (5) | Boston Garden14,890 | 3–2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | June 3, 19889:00p.m. EDT | Boston | W 95–90 | Johnson (24) | Laimbeer (9) | Thomas (9) | Pontiac Silverdome38,912 | 4–2 Detroit Pistons NBA Finals yes no #FF0000 #0000FF 2 1 1 3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | June 7, 19889:00p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Lakers | W 105–93 | Dantley (34) | Laimbeer (7) | Thomas (12) | The Forum17,505 | 1–0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | June 9, 19889:00p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Lakers | L 96–108 | Dantley (19) | Laimbeer,Mahorn (9) | Dumars,Thomas (7) | The Forum17,505 | 1–1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | June 12, 19883:30p.m. EDT | L.A. Lakers | L 86–99 | Thomas (28) | Rodman (12) | Thomas (9) | Pontiac Silverdome39,188 | 1–2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | June 14, 19889:00p.m. EDT | L.A. Lakers | W 111–86 | Dantley (27) | Thomas (9) | Thomas (12) | Pontiac Silverdome34,297 | 2–2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | June 16, 19889:00p.m. EDT | L.A. Lakers | W 104–94 | Dantley (25) | Laimbeer (11) | Thomas (8) | Pontiac Silverdome41,372 | 3–2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 6 | June 19, 19883:30p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Lakers | L 102–103 | Thomas (43) | Laimbeer (9) | Dumars (10) | The Forum17,505 | 3–3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 7 | June 21, 19889:00p.m. EDT | @ L.A. Lakers | L 105–108 | Dumars (25) | Salley (10) | Thomas (7) | The Forum17,505 | 3–4 DET yes 1988 Starting Lineups Regular Season Detroit Pistons 2 1987–88 Regular Season Starting Lineup game log y Detroit Pistons 2 November # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|10 | November 25, 1987 ! style="color:#042F8C; background:#048234; a #042F8C 2px;|@ DAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- y Detroit Pistons 2 December # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|15 | December 4, 1987 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|20 | December 18, 1987 ! style="color:#048234; background:#042F8C; a #048234 2px;|DAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- y Detroit Pistons 2 January # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|28 | January 8, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|29 | January 13, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|37 | January 29, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | | | | | |- y Detroit Pistons 2 February # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|49 | February 21, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | #44Mahorn | #10Rodman | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|53 | February 28, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | | | | | |- y Detroit Pistons 2 March # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- y Detroit Pistons 2 April # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|70 | April 1, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|79 | April 19, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | | | | | |- Playoffs Detroit Pistons 2 1987–88 Playoffs Starting Lineup game log y Detroit Pistons 2 Eastern Conference First Round: vs. Washington Bullets # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- y Detroit Pistons 2 Eastern Conference Semifinals: vs. Chicago Bulls # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- y Detroit Pistons 2 Eastern Conference Finals: vs. Boston Celtics # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|1 | May 25, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|2 | May 26, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|3 | May 28, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|4 | May 30, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|5 | June 1, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | | | | | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|6 | June 3, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | | | | | |- y Detroit Pistons 2 NBA Finals: vs. Los Angeles Lakers # Date Opponent PF SF C PG SG |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|1 | June 7, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|2 | June 9, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|3 | June 12, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|4 | June 14, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|5 | June 16, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|6 | June 19, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|7 | June 21, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | #44Mahorn | #45Dantley | #40Laimbeer | #11Thomas | #4Dumars |- Game Officials Regular Season Detroit Pistons 2 1987–88 Regular Season Officials game log y Detroit Pistons 2 November # Date Opponent Officials |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|10 | November 25, 1987 ! style="color:#042F8C; background:#048234; a #042F8C 2px;|@ DAL | No. 34 Ronnie Nunn and No. 21 Bill Oakes |- y Detroit Pistons 2 December # Date Opponent Officials |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|15 | December 4, 1987 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|20 | December 18, 1987 ! style="color:#048234; background:#042F8C; a #048234 2px;|DAL | No. 25 Hugh Evans and No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |- y Detroit Pistons 2 January # Date Opponent Officials |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|28 | January 8, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | No. 40 Mike Lauerman and No. 14 Jack Madden |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|29 | January 13, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|37 | January 29, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | |- y Detroit Pistons 2 February # Date Opponent Officials |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|49 | February 21, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | No. 26 Bruce Alexander and No. 20 Jess Kersey |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|53 | February 28, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | |- y Detroit Pistons 2 March # Date Opponent Officials |- y Detroit Pistons 2 April # Date Opponent Officials |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|70 | April 1, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|79 | April 19, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | |- Playoffs Detroit Pistons 2 1987–88 Playoffs Officials game log y Detroit Pistons 2 Eastern Conference First Round: vs. Washington Bullets # Date Opponent Officials Alternate |- y Detroit Pistons 2 Eastern Conference Semifinals: vs. Chicago Bulls # Date Opponent Officials Alternate |- y Detroit Pistons 2 Eastern Conference Finals: vs. Boston Celtics # Date Opponent Officials Alternate |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|1 | May 25, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | No. 12 Earl Strom and No. 22 Paul Mihalak | No. 13 Mike Mathis |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|2 | May 26, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | No. 14 Jack Madden and No. 13 Mike Mathis | No. 24 Bill Saar |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|3 | May 28, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | No. 17 Joe Crawford and No. 20 Jess Kersey | No. 22 Paul Mihalak |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|4 | May 30, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | No. 10 Darell Garretson and No. 4 Ed T. Rush | No. 21 Bill Oakes |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|5 | June 1, 1988 ! style="color:#FFFFFF; background:#00703C; a #FFFFFF 2px;|@ BOS | No. 11 Jake O'Donnell and No. 42 Hue Hollins | No. 27 Dick Bavetta |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|6 | June 3, 1988 ! style="color:#00703C; background:#FFFFFF; a #00703C 2px;|BOS | No. 25 Hugh Evans and No. 12 Earl Strom | No. 13 Mike Mathis |- y Detroit Pistons 2 NBA Finals: vs. Los Angeles Lakers # Date Opponent Officials Alternate |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|1 | June 7, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | No. 17 Joe Craford and No. 10 Darell Garretson | No. 20 Jess Kersey |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|2 | June 9, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | No. 20 Jess Kersey and No. 4 Ed T. Rush | No. 25 Hugh Evans |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|3 | June 12, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | No. 25 Hugh Evans anrdn No. 12 Earl Strom | No. 11 Jake O'Donnell |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|4 | June 14, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | No. 14 Jack Madden and No. 11 Jake O'Donnell | No. 17 Joe Crawford |- ! style="color:#DC143C; background:#00008B; a #DC143C 2px;|5 | June 16, 1988 ! style="color:#5C2F83; background:#FCB625; a #5C2F83 2px;|LAL | No. 17 Joe Crawford and No. 10 Darell Garretson | No. 4 Ed T. Rush |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|6 | June 19, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | No. 25 Hugh Evans and No. 4 Ed T. Rush | No. 14 Jack Madden |- ! style="color:#00008B; background:#DC143C; a #00008B 2px;|7 | June 21, 1988 ! style="color:#FCB625; background:#5C2F83; a #FCB625 2px;|@ LAL | No. 11 Jake O'Donnell and No. 12 Earl Strom | No. 17 Joe Crawford |- Birth of the Bad Boys The Pistons of this era became known as the Bad Boys. At the start of the 1987–88 season, Al Davis, owner of the Los Angeles Raiders of the NFL sent Raiders merchandise to the Pistons to acknowledge the shared view of the teams and their physical style of play. Dan Hauser, Pistons Vice-president of Marketing said, "Al sent us Raiders sweaters, and when we played Golden State in Oakland, Al had Raiders warm-ups for us with our names and numbers on them. The rough bad-boy fighting style of the Raiders fits our image. That`s why, at our home games at the Palace, you see a sea of black: black caps, black T-shirts, black sweatshirts".https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-03-24-8903290957-story.html PISTONS FANS FEEL GOOD LOOKING REAL BAD Chicago Tribunehttps://detroitsportsnation.com/the-origin-of-the-bad-boys-video/rake2204/nba/detroit-pistons-news/10/12/2015/47629/ The Origin of the Bad Boys October 12, 2015 Detroit Sports Nation The end of season video yearbook produced by the Pistons was titled Bad Boys, with a connection to the 1983 movie, and the Bad Boys name came into being.Bad Boys 1987-88 Detroit Pistons The Pistons players embraced the rough and tumble image, Nintendo released Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball, a futuristic basketball game without rules, without fouls, and weapons are permitted, the Pistons marketed around the Bad Boys identity, and Detroit fan embraced the blue-collar identity. Pistons guard Joe Dumars said, "You can't be great in this league and have zero identity".https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2014/04/pistons_bad_boys_special_on_es.html Pistons 'Bad Boys' special on ESPN evokes emotions a quarter-century later April 18, 2014 mlive The positive view of the team was not universal with Michael Jordan declaring "the Bad Boys are bad for basketball",https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-buy-into-michael-jordans-narrative-the-bad-boys-pistons-deserve-your-respect-154544792.html Don't buy into Michael Jordan's narrative: The 'Bad Boys' Pistons deserve your respect sports.yahoo.com later adding "I hated them. And that hate carries even to this day."https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29102510/michael-jordan-says-hates-bad-boys-detroit-pistons Jordan: I hate the 'Bad Boys' Pistons to this day April 27, 2020 ESPN.com David Stern, Commissioner of the NBA at the time, said, "If I had it to do over again, we would be more aggressive in regulating, shall we say, that style of play, because it led to our game becoming much more physical". Jalen Rose, who later starred as a member of the Fab Five at Michigan, embraced the Bad Boys brand as a teenager growing up in Detroit, stating "I loved everything about the Bad Boys. I loved how they played and how they didn't back down. They just went out and kicked the other teams' butts."https://pistonpowered.com/2019/07/24/bad-boy-identity-how-the-pistons-came-to-represent-the-city-of-detroit/4/ Bad Boy Identity: How the Pistons Came to Represent the City of Detroit July 24, 2019https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-the-detroit-pistons-came-to-be-known-as-the-bad-boys/ How the Detroit Pistons came to be known as the Bad Boys April 27, 2016 Pistons announcer George Blaha said, "I think the people of Detroit and all across Michigan loved the Pistons' don't-back-down-ever mentality. Detroit's a working person's town and that's the same type of fan that you have all across the state of Michigan from the big cities to the small towns. Never does a day go by that somebody that I talk to doesn't bring up the Bad Boys; they loved 'em".https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/06/15/the-bad-boys-capture-back-to-back-championships-an-oral-history/ The Bad Boys Capture Back-To-Back Championships: Pistons Fans, Players Remember The Team's Golden Years June 15, 2016 NBA Finals Game 1 The Pistons had just dispatched the Celtics in six games, while the Lakers were coming off back-to-back seven-game wins over the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers were tired, and it showed. Adrian Dantley scored 34 points, hitting 14 of 16 shots from the field. The Pistons took control of the game with six seconds left in the first half when Bill Laimbeer hit a 3-point shot to put the Pistons up 54–40. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar then fired an inbound pass intended for Byron Scott, but it was intercepted by Isiah Thomas who let fly with another three-pointer which went in at the halftime buzzer. The Pistons had a 57–40 halftime lead and never looked back, stealing Game 1 with a 105–93 win. Game 2 Facing the possibility of going down 2–0 with three games to play in Detroit, the veteran Lakers found resolve with a 108–96 win. James Worthy led the Lakers with 26 points, Byron Scott had 24, and Magic Johnson 23 despite battling the flu. Game 3 With Magic still battling the flu, the Lakers got a key win in Detroit, 99–86, to go up 2–1 in games. The Lakers took control of the game in the third period, outscoring the Pistons 31–14. Despite his illness, Magic had 18 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds. Game 4 With pride in front of their home fans, the Pistons tied the series at 2–2 with a 111–86 blowout win. The Pistons decided to attack the basket and make Magic Johnson defend. Johnson wound up on the bench early in the second half with foul trouble. With Magic out of the game, the Pistons built a substantial lead. During timeouts, Bill Laimbeer was almost frantic. He kept saying, "No letup! We don't let up!" They didn't, and blew out the defending NBA champions by 25 points. Left open by the trapping Lakers defense, Dantley led the team with 27 points. Vinnie Johnson came off the bench to add 16 while James Edwards had 14 points and five rebounds off the bench. Game 5 The Pistons' 104–94 victory was a perfect farewell to the Pontiac Silverdome. "I told Joe Dumars with a minute left in the game to look around and enjoy this because you'll never see anything like it again," Laimbeer said. "Forty-one thousand people waving towels and standing. It was awesome." The Lakers opened Game 5 with a fury of physical intimidation, scoring the game's first 12 points. But that approach soon backfired, as the Laker big men got into foul trouble. Dantley played a major role in the turnaround, scoring 25 points, 19 of them in the first half, to rally the Pistons to a 59–50 halftime lead. Vinnie Johnson added 12 of his 16 points in the first half to keep Detroit moving. Joe Dumars added 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting to send the Pistons back to Los Angeles, one win away from their first NBA title. Game 6 This game turned out to be a classic confrontation between a team hungry for their first title (Detroit) and a veteran team with their backs to the wall (the Lakers). The Lakers led 56–48 in the third quarter when Isiah Thomas suddenly began a classic performance. He scored the game's next 14 points, hitting two free throws, a driving layup, four jump shots, and a running bank shot. On the Pistons' next possession, Thomas stepped on Michael Cooper's foot, rolled his ankle, and had to be helped from the floor. Despite a severe sprain, Thomas returned to the game 35 seconds later and continued his dizzying onslaught. By the end of the third quarter, Thomas had scored 25 points, an NBA Finals record for one quarter, on 11-of-13 shooting. This helped the Pistons gain an 81–79 lead. The Pistons' momentum carried into the final period as they led 102–99 with a minute left. Byron Scott cut the lead to one with a 14-footer in the lane with 52 seconds remaining. The Lakers then turned up the defense on the Pistons' next possession, forcing Thomas into a desperation 18-footer. Forty-one-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar then got the ball on the Lakers' trip down the floor and posted up Bill Laimbeer for his signature skyhook. As Kareem shot, Laimbeer was whistled for a foul, even though replays showed he barely touched Kareem. Jabbar then coolly sank the two free throws to put the Lakers up 103–102. The lead held up as Thomas, bad ankle and all, missed another shot at the buzzer. Thomas would end up with 43 points and eight assists, but it was for naught as the series moved to Game 7. Game 7 Game 7 is often considered one of the best conclusions to the NBA Finals in recent history. Thomas' ankle was still sore, as evidenced by his limping badly in warmups. He did manage to play the first half, scoring 10 points and leading the Pistons to a 52–47 halftime lead. But, the delay between halves caused the ankle to stiffen, and Thomas could not continue. With Isiah on the bench, the Lakers turned the halftime deficit into a 90–75 lead late in the 4th quarter. Chuck Daly then went to a faster lineup with Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Joe Dumars, and Vinnie Johnson that created matchup problems for the Lakers and enabled the Pistons to score at a torrid pace. With 3:52 left, Salley canned two free throws to cut the Laker lead to 98–92, sending the Forum fans into a panic. With 1:17 left, Dumars hit a jump shot to cut the lead to 102–100. Magic Johnson then hit a free throw after a Rodman foul to put the Lakers up by three. On the Pistons' next trip down the floor, Rodman took an ill-advised jumper with 39 seconds left. Byron Scott rebounded and was fouled. His two free throws pushed the lead to 105–100. After Dumars made a layup, James Worthy hit a free throw and Bill Laimbeer canned a three-pointer, pushing the score to 106–105 with six seconds showing. A.C. Green completed the scoring with a layup off a length-of-the court pass from Magic, making it 108–105, and although the Pistons got the ball to Thomas at midcourt with a second remaining, he fell without getting off a shot. Worthy racked up a monster triple-double: 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. For that and his earlier efforts in the series, he was named the Finals MVP. Pistons owner Bill Davidson said, "Well, the worst loss was out in LA when I was in the room with David Stern getting ready to accept the trophy, and they call a foul on Bill Laimbeer against Kareem. Bill pulled down a clean rebound, and Hugh Evans calls a foul. You know that he was set up, and you know ... I don't say he had a bet on the game, but that was ... that was unconscionable! And that cost us a championship, which we should have had. Which we had."https://pistonpowered.com/2011/12/25/chevette-to-corvette-no-5-the-1987-88-detroit-pistons/ Chevette to Corvette No. 5: The 1987–88 Detroit Pistons December 25, 2011 External links Detroit Pistons on Database Basketball Detroit Pistons on Basketball Reference References Det Category:Detroit Pistons seasons Category:Eastern Conference (NBA) championship seasons Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons