411 REFERENCE · Wikipedia
1988–89 Detroit Pistons season
Reference material by Wikipedia contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
March 2026
August 2023
Detroit Pistons yes yes yes 1989 63 19 Central 1 1 Chuck Daly The Palace of Auburn Hills Jack McCloskey William Davidson WKBD-TV(George Blaha, Dick Motta) PASS Sports (Fred McLeod, Tom Wilson) WWJ (George Blaha, Dick Motta) NBA champions(Defeated Lakers 4–0) DET
thumb|right|125px|A ticket for a November 1988 game between the Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets.
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. Detroit Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/ August 6, 2026
Season summary
Off-season
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.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html 1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference.com
Regular season
The Pistons got off to a fast start by winning their first eight games of the regular season. Detroit Pistons at Phoenix Suns Box Score, November 18, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811180PHO.html February 28, 2024 The team got off to a 16–4 start to the season, and later on held a 31–13 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=9&year=1989 December 6, 2022 However, Adrian Dantley was unhappy with his role on the team, losing playing time to Dennis Rodman at the small forward position. Waitzkin Fred What Drives the Pistons The New York Times January 8, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/08/magazine/what-drives-the-pistons.html December 25, 2022 McCallum Jack And the Winner Is...: Who Got the Better Deal, Detroit in Mark Aguirre or Dallas in Adrian Dantley? Sports Illustrated Vault March 6, 1989 https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/03/06/and-the-winner-is-who-got-the-better-deal-detroit-in-mark-aguirre-or-dallas-in-adrian-dantley February 28, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20200422040814/https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/03/06/and-the-winner-is-who-got-the-better-deal-detroit-in-mark-aguirre-or-dallas-in-adrian-dantley April 22, 2020 dead Dantley Was Ushered Out of Detroit Before He Could Win a Title Vintage Detroit March 19, 2013 https://www.vintagedetroit.com/dantley-was-ushered-out-of-detroit-before-he-could-win-a-title/ February 10, 2022 At mid-season, the Pistons traded Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for All-Star forward Mark Aguirre, a childhood friend of Isiah Thomas; Mike Rabun The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons Wednesday Exchanged All-Star... United Press International February 15, 1989 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/02/15/The-Dallas-Mavericks-and-Detroit-Pistons-Wednesday-exchanged-All-Star/8078603522000/ December 6, 2022 Sports People: Basketball: Mavericks Send Aguirre to Pistons for Dantley The New York Times February 16, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/16/sports/sports-people-basketball-mavericks-send-aguirre-to-pistons-for-dantley.html February 10, 2022 Baker Chris Pistons Acquire Aguirre in Trade for Dantley, Pick Los Angeles Times February 16, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-16-sp-3735-story.html December 6, 2022 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. Cotton Anthony He May Play for Dallas Now, But Don't Brand Dantley a Maverick The Washington Post October 18, 1989 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/10/18/he-may-play-for-dallas-now-but-dont-brand-dantley-a-maverick/d93c63cd-7283-43cb-959e-aff2c3db0dc4/ December 6, 2022 Before the trade, Dantley averaged 18.4 points per game in 42 games. With the addition of Aguirre, the Pistons posted a nine-game winning streak in March, posted an eight-game winning streak between March and April, and then won their final five games of the season, finishing in first place in the Central Division with a league-best 63–19 record, and earning the first seed in the Eastern Conference. 1988–89 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989_games.html February 10, 2022Feldman Dan Chevette to Corvette No. 1: The 1988-89 Detroit Pistons PistonPowered 2012-01-09 https://pistonpowered.com/2012/01/09/chevette-to-corvette-no-1-the-1988-89-detroit-pistons/ 2025-03-19 The team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.
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 Aguirre provided the team with 15.5 points per game in 36 games after the trade. In addition, Vinnie Johnson contributed 13.8 points and 3.0 assists per game off the bench, while Bill Laimbeer provided with 13.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, and Rodman averaged 9.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game off the bench. Meanwhile, Rick Mahorn averaged 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while 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. 1988–89 Detroit Pistons Rostr and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html February 10, 2022
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. McManis Sam 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 February 12, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-12-sp-3000-story.html December 20, 2022 NBA.com Staff 1989 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1989 May 21, 2023 1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1989.html February 10, 2022 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, NBA MVP Voting The Victoria Advocate May 23, 1989 3B https://books.google.com/books?id=gDZSAAAAIBAJ&dq=1989+NBA+MVP+Voting&pg=PA8&article_id=6778,4982033 May 23, 2025 1988–89 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1989.html February 14, 2022 while Rodman finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, Times Wire Services In Brief: Utah's Eaton Gets Defensive Award Los Angeles Times May 11, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-11-sp-3730-story.html December 27, 2022 finished in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, Associated Press Suns' Johnson Wins NBA's 6th Man Award Los Angeles Times May 8, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-08-sp-2691-story.html December 27, 2022 and also tied in seventh place in Most Improved Player voting, Associated Press Johnson Named Most Improved Player Lewiston Tribune May 16, 1989 3B https://books.google.com/books?id=U5ZfAAAAIBAJ&dq=1989+NBA+Most+Improved+player+kevin+johnson&pg=PA11&article_id=4125,91034 May 23, 2025 and head coach Chuck Daly finished in fourth place in Coach of the Year voting. Associated Press Fitzsimmons Coach of Year Los Angeles Times May 25, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-25-sp-1088-story.html December 28, 2022
The Pistons finished second in the NBA in home-game attendance behind the expansion Charlotte Hornets, with an attendance of 879,405 at The Palace of Auburn Hills during the regular season. 1988–89 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1989.html February 15, 2026
NBA playoffs
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, a team that featured the trio of All-Star forward Kevin McHale, All-Star center Robert Parish, and second-year star Reggie Lewis. The Celtics were without All-Star forward Larry Bird, who was out due to a season-ending heel injury. The Pistons won the first two games over the Celtics at home at The Palace of Auburn Hills, before winning Game 3 on the road, 100–85 at the Boston Garden to win the series in a three-game sweep. Gold Allan R. Pistons' Defense Smothers Celtics' Season The New York Times May 3, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/03/sports/pistons-defense-smothers-celtics-season.html December 6, 2022 Aldridge David Pistons Finish Sweep of Celtics The Washington Post May 3, 1989 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/05/03/pistons-finish-sweep-of-celtics/41be3657-a638-45ef-a48a-f59fcb61ece9/ December 6, 2022 1989 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Celtics vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-celtics-vs-pistons.html March 20, 2023
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. The Pistons won the first two games over the Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills, and then won the next two games on the road, including a Game 4 win over the Bucks at the Bradley Center, 96–94 to win the series in a four-game sweep. Brown Clifton Pistons Edge Bucks to Complete a Sweep The New York Times May 16, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/16/sports/pistons-edge-bucks-to-complete-a-sweep.html December 5, 2022 Associated Press NBA Playoffs: Pistons Sweep Bucks Out of the Way Los Angeles Times May 16, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-16-sp-39-story.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bucks vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bucks-vs-pistons.html March 20, 2023
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 Pistons lost Game 1 to the Bulls at The Palace of Auburn Hills, 94–88, but managed to win Game 2 at home, 100–91 to even the series. However, the Pistons lost Game 3 to the Bulls on the road, 99–97 at the Chicago Stadium, as the Bulls took a 2–1 series lead. Downey Mike Jordan Lets Bulls Pull Off a Grand Theft, Win, 99-97 Los Angeles Times May 28, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-28-sp-1505-story.html June 21, 2026 Cotton Anthony Bulls Rally from 14 Down to Stun Pistons, 99-97 Deseret News May 28, 1989 https://www.deseret.com/1989/5/28/18808913/bulls-rally-from-14-down-to-stun-pistons-99-97/ June 21, 2026 1989 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 27, 1989 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905270CHI.html June 21, 2026 The Pistons managed to win the next three games, including a Game 6 win 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. Brown Clifton Pistons Earn a Rematch with Lakers in Final The New York Times June 3, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/03/sports/pistons-earn-a-rematch-with-lakers-in-final.html December 5, 2022 Downey Mike No Bull, Lakers Get Pistons Again: After Smoke Clears, "Gangsters" Have 103-94 Victory in Game 6 Los Angeles Times June 3, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-03-sp-984-story.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bulls-vs-pistons.html March 20, 2023
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 over the Lakers at The Palace of Auburn Hills, taking a 2–0 series lead, and then won the next two games on the road, including a Game 4 win 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, becoming the last of the NBA's original eight charter teams to win a championship.https://www.si.com/nba/how-many-nba-teams-are-there-a-brief-history-of-expansion-and-how-we-got-to-30 This merger brought the larger markets of the BAA together with the smaller markets of the NBL. The league debuted with 17 teams but quickly shrank to eight by 1955. Those eight teams were the Celtics, Knicks, Warriors, Lakers, Pistons, Nationals (now the 76ers), Hawks and Royals (now the Kings). How Many NBA Teams Are There? A Brief History of Expansion and How We Got to 30 Sports Illustrated Cunningham Nate July 16, 2025 March 5, 2026 Dumars, who scored 23 points in Game 4, was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. Goldaper Sam Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers The New York Times June 14, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/sports/pistons-earn-first-title-by-sweeping-lakers.html December 5, 2022 McManis Sam Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97 Los Angeles Times June 14, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-14-sp-2097-story.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-finals-lakers-vs-pistons.html March 20, 2023
The 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.
Aftermath
Following the season, Mahorn was left unprotected in the 1989 NBA expansion draft, where he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves expansion team; Brown Clifton Knicks' Green Is Taken First in N.B.A.'s Expansion Draft The New York Times June 16, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/16/sports/knicks-green-is-taken-first-in-nba-s-expansion-draft.html December 6, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott NBA Expansion Draft: Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers Los Angeles Times June 16, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html December 6, 2022 1989 NBA Expansion Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1989_expansion.html February 10, 2022 however, Mahorn would never play for the Timberwolves due to a contract dispute, and was later on traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Mahorn Traded to 76ers The New York Times October 28, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/28/sports/mahorn-traded-to-76ers.html February 10, 2022 Mahorn Is Traded to 76ers Los Angeles Times October 28, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-28-sp-632-story.html December 6, 2022 Timberwolves Trade Mahorn to the 76ers The Washington Post October 28, 1989 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/10/28/timberwolves-trade-mahorn-to-the-76ers/850ab6ce-9daf-4fee-bd75-7fe72fb8ca31/ July 8, 2023
The Pistons and Lakers would face each other again 15 years later in the NBA Finals in 2004, where the Pistons would win in five games en route to their third NBA championship, despite being underdogs to the heavily favored Lakers.
Draft picks
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 30 Fennis Dembo Forward Wyoming 2 48 Micheal Williams Guard Baylorhttp://www.databasebasketball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1988&lg=N 1988 NBA Draft on Basketballreference.com 2009-05-05 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20100317221203/http://www.databasebasketball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1988&lg=N 2010-03-17
Roster
Detroit Pistons 1988–89 #00008B #FFFFFF #DC143C #FFFFFF
23 Mark Aguirre SF 6 6 232 1959–12–10 DePaul University
34 Fennis Dembo SF 6 5 215 1966–01–24 University of Wyoming
4 Joe Dumars SG 6 3 190 1963–05–24 McNeese State
53 James Edwards basketball C 7 0 225 1955–11–22 University of Washington
15 Vinnie Johnson SG 6 2 200 1956–09–01 Baylor University
40 Bill Laimbeer C 6 11 245 1957–05–19 University of Notre Dame
25 John Long basketball, born 1956 SG 6 5 195 1956–08–28 University of Detroit Mercy
44 Rick Mahorn PF 6 10 240 1958–09–21 Hampton University
10 Dennis Rodman SF 6 7 220 1961–05–13 Southeastern Oklahoma State University
22 John Salley PF 6 11 230 1964–05–16 Georgia Institute of Technology
11 Isiah Thomas PG 6 1 180 1961–04–30 Indiana University
24 Micheal Williams PG 6 2 175 1966–07–23 Baylor
Chuck Daly Brendan Malone
Dick Versace (until 1/5/1989)
Brendan Suhr (hired 1/5/1989)
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
DET
DET
Game log
Regular season
Detroit Pistons #0000FF #FF0000 1989 Total: 63–19 (Home: 37–4; Road: 26–15)
Detroit Pistons November yes #FF0000 #0000FF 4 1 7 2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 1
| November 4, 19888:30p.m. EST
| @ Chicago
| W 107–94
| Dantley (22)
| Mahorn (10)
| Thomas (14)
| Chicago Stadium18,420
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 2
| November 5, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Charlotte
| W 94–85
| Dantley (18)
| Laimbeer (12)
| Dumars,Thomas (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 2–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 3
| November 8, 19887:30p.m. EST
| @ Philadelphia
| W 116–109
| Dumars (30)
| Laimbeer (11)
| Dumars,Thomas (9)
| The Spectrum10,115
| 3–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 4
| November 9, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Atlanta
| W 101–95
| Thomas (21)
| Laimbeer (13)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 4–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 5
| November 11, 19888:00p.m. EST
| @ Boston
| W 116–107
| Dantley (31)
| Mahorn (6)
| Thomas (10)
| Boston Garden14,890
| 5–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 6
| November 15, 19888:30p.m. EST
| @ Dallas
| W 108–99
| Laimbeer (23)
| Laimbeer (21)
| Thomas (12)
| Reunion Arena17,007
| 6–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 7
| November 16, 19888:30p.m. EST
| @ San Antonio
| W 94–88
| Dumars (20)
| Mahorn (10)
| Thomas (8)
| HemisFair Arena11,991
| 7–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 8
| November 18, 19889:30p.m. EST
| @ Phoenix
| W 121–105
| Dumars (31)
| Rodman (12)
| Thomas (11)
| Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471
| 8–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 9
| November 19, 19888:30p.m. EST
| @ Houston
| L 98–109
| Thomas (26)
| Rodman (12)
| Thomas (6)
| The Summit16,611
| 8–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 10
| November 22, 19887:30p.m. EST
| @ Charlotte
| W 99–93
| Dumars (26)
| Mahorn (10)
| Thomas (8)
| Charlotte Coliseum23,389
| 9–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 11
| November 23, 19887:30p.m. EST
| New York
| L 111–133
| Dantley (25)
| Laimbeer,Rodman (9)
| Thomas (11)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 9–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 12
| November 26, 19888:30p.m. EST
| L.A. Lakers
| W 102–99
| Dumars (20)
| Mahorn (11)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 10–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 13
| November 29, 19887:30p.m. EST
| @ Indiana
| L 98–107
| Laimbeer (22)
| Laimbeer (10)
| Thomas (12)
| Market Square Arena10,275
| 10–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 14
| November 30, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Indiana
| W 114–111
| Thomas (36)
| Laimbeer (9)
| Thomas (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 11–3
Detroit Pistons December #FF0000 #0000FF 6 1 3 3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 15
| December 2, 19888:00p.m. EST
| @ Washington
| W 120–114
| Dantley (28)
| Mahorn (8)
| Thomas (10)
| Capital Centre12,606
| 12–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 16
| December 4, 19887:30p.m. EST
| @ New Jersey
| W 102–99
| Dantley (21)
| Mahorn (12)
| Thomas (8)
| Brendan Byrne Arena12,517
| 13–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 17
| December 6, 19888:30p.m. EST
| @ Milwaukee
| L 84–109
| Dantley (17)
| Laimbeer (6)
| Laimbeer (6)
| Bradley Center15,619
| 13–4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 18
| December 7, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Chicago
| W 102–89
| Dantley (31)
| Laimbeer (12)
| Thomas (13)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 14–4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 19
| December 9, 19888:00p.m. EST
| @ Atlanta
| W 92–82
| Dumars (24)
| Laimbeer,Rodman,Salley (8)
| Dumars (6)
| The Omni16,374
| 15–4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 20
| December 10, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Philadelphia
| W 106–100
| Thomas (37)
| Laimbeer (15)
| Laimbeer (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 16–4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 21
| December 14, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Milwaukee
| L 110–119
| Dantley (22)
| Laimbeer (12)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 16–5
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 22
| December 15, 19887:30p.m. EST
| @ Cleveland
| L 98–119
| Dumars (16)
| Rodman (10)
| Williams (7)
| Richfield Coliseum18,718
| 16–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 23
| December 17, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Charlotte
| W 100–91
| Thomas (25)
| Mahorn (12)
| Thomas (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 17–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 24
| December 20, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Miami
| W 116–100
| Johnson (22)
| Rodman (9)
| Thomas (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 18–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 25
| December 22, 19887:30p.m. EST
| @ New York
| L 85–88
| Johnson (19)
| Mahorn (14)
| Yhomas (7)
| Madison Square Garden19,591
| 18–7
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 26
| December 28, 19887:30p.m. EST
| Phoenix
| W 106–100
| Dantley (24)
| Rodman (14)
| Dumars (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 19–7
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 27
| December 30, 19888:00p.m. EST
| Houston
| W 95–83
| Dumars (28)
| Laimbeer,Mahorn (13)
| Dantley,Laimbeer,Thomas (5)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 20–7
Detroit Pistons January #FF0000 #0000FF 7 2 1 4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 28
| January 3, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ Atlanta
| L 104–123
| Thomas (28)
| Rodman (8)
| Thomas (6)
| The Omni16,371
| 20–8
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 29
| January 6, 19898:00p.m. EST
| Atlanta
| W 111–88
| Laimbeer,Thomas (19)
| Laimbeer (10)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 21–8
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 30
| January 7, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ Indiana
| L 99–113
| Thomas (31)
| Rodman (12)
| Thomas (8)
| Market Square Arena16,105
| 21–9
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 31
| January 11, 19897:30p.m. EST
| New York
| L 93–100
| Laimbeer (21)
| Rodman (10)
| Thomas (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 21–10
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 32
| January 13, 19898:00p.m. EST
| Washington
| W 119–103
| Dantley (35)
| Laimbeer (14)
| Thomas (8)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 22–10
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 33
| January 15, 19892:30p.m. EST
| @ Milwaukee
| L 112–120
| Thomas (25)
| Laimbeer (10)
| Thomas (13)
| Bradley Center18,633
| 22–11
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 34
| January 16, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Boston
| W 96–87
| Johnson (21)
| Laimbeer (12)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 23–11
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 35
| January 18, 19897:30p.m. EST
| New Jersey
| W 103–90
| Dantley (24)
| Rodman (16)
| Johnson,Thomas (6)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 24–11
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 36
| January 20, 19898:00p.m. EST
| Indiana
| W 132–99
| Laimbeer (27)
| Laimbeer,Rodman (11)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 25–11
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 37
| January 22, 198912Noon EST
| @ Boston
| L 99–112
| Thomas (26)
| Salley (11)
| Salley,Thomas (5)
| Boston Garden14,890
| 25–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 38
| January 25, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Golden State
| W 105–104
| Thomas (27)
| Rodman (16)
| Thomas (8)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 26–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 39
| January 27, 19898:00p.m. EST
| Cleveland
| L 79–80
| Johnson,Thomas (22)
| Rodman (17)
| Thomas (5)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 26–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 40
| January 29, 19897:00p.m. EST
| Sacramento
| W 122–97
| Rodman (24)
| Rodman (16)
| Thomas (15)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 27–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 41
| January 31, 19898:00p.m. EST
| @ Chicago
| W 104–98 (OT)
| Thomas (34)
| Rodman (14)
| Dantley (8)
| Chicago Stadium18,288
| 28–13
Detroit Pistons February #FF0000 #0000FF 4 0 4 3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 42
| February 3, 19898:00p.m. EST
| @ Philadelphia
| W 124–106
| Dantley (33)
| Laimbeer,Salley,Thomas (7)
| Thomas (7)
| The Spectrum15,268
| 29–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 43
| February 5, 19892:00p.m. EST
| Chicago
| W 113–102
| Johnson (27)
| Rodman (13)
| Thomas (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 30–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 44
| February 8, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Milwaukee
| W 107–96
| Laimbeer (22)
| Rodman (12)
| Thomas (14)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 31–13
|- align="center"
|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 45
| February 14, 198910:30p.m. EST
| @ L.A. Lakers
| W 111–103
| Dumars,Thomas (23)
| Rodman (15)
| Thomas (15)
| Great Western Forum17,505
| 32–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 46
| February 16, 198910:30p.m. EST
| @ Sacramento
| W 95–84
| Dumars,Johnson,Laimbeer (20)
| Rodman (15)
| Thomas (14)
| ARCO Arena16,517
| 33–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 47
| February 18, 198910:00p.m. EST
| @ Golden State
| L 119–121 (OT)
| Laimbeer,Rodman (32)
| Rodman (21)
| Thomas (13)
| Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025
| 33–14
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 48
| February 20, 19894:00p.m. EST
| @ Denver
| L 101–103
| Johnson (21)
| Laimbeer (16)
| Thomas (10)
| McNichols Sports Arena17,022
| 33–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 49
| February 22, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Portland
| W 105–94
| Dumars (19)
| Rodman (15)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 34–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 50
| February 25, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ New Jersey
| W 113–95
| Aguirre (31)
| Mahorn (9)
| Dumars (10)
| Brendan Byrne Arena20,049
| 35–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 51
| February 26, 19897:00p.m. EST
| L.A. Clippers
| W 110–98
| Thomas (21)
| Rodman (13)
| Thomas (11)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 36–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 52
| February 28, 19898:00p.m. EST
| @ Cleveland
| L 99–115
| Aguirre,Thomas (28)
| Rodman (11)
| Thomas (13)
| Richfield Coliseum20,246
| 36–16
Detroit Pistons March #FF0000 #0000FF 9 0 7 1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 53
| March 1, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Utah
| W 96–85
| Johnson (34)
| Laimbeer (13)
| Dumars (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 37–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 54
| March 3, 19898:00p.m. EST
| Cleveland
| W 96–90
| Laimbeer (24)
| Laimbeer (14)
| Thomas (11)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 38–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 55
| March 5, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ Miami
| W 109–100
| Johnson,Thomas (22)
| Rodman (10)
| Thomas (8)
| Miami Arena15,008
| 39–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 56
| March 6, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Denver
| W 129–116
| Dumars (25)
| Mahorn (19)
| Thomas (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 40–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 57
| March 8, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Seattle
| W 112–96
| Thomas (27)
| Laimbeer (19)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 41–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 58
| March 11, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ Philadelphia
| W 111–106
| Thomas (34)
| Laimbeer (16)
| Thomas (8)
| The Spectrum17,678
| 42–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 59
| March 12, 19897:00p.m. EST
| Washington
| W 110–104
| Laimbeer (24)
| Laimbeer (16)
| Thomas (8)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 43–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 60
| March 14, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ Indiana
| W 129–117
| Dumars (30)
| Johnson (7)
| Dumars (8)
| Market Square Arena12,031
| 44–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 61
| March 17, 19898:00p.m. EST
| Boston
| W 106–98
| Johnson (30)
| Laimbeer,Rodman (10)
| Dumars (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 45–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 62
| March 18, 19899:00p.m. EST
| @ Milwaukee
| L 100–117
| Aguirre,Johnson (14)
| Rodman (13)
| Dumars (9)
| Bradley Center18,633
| 45–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 63
| March 21, 19898:00p.m. EST
| @ Atlanta
| W 110–95
| Thomas (26)
| Laimbeer (12)
| Dumars (9)
| The Omni16,371
| 46–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 64
| March 22, 19897:30p.m. EST
| San Antonio
| W 115–94
| Laimbeer (21)
| Laimbeer (10)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 47–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 65
| March 24, 19898:00p.m. EST
| New Jersey
| W 112–96
| Dumars (35)
| Aguirre (11)
| Thomas (11)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 48–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 66
| March 25, 19897:30p.m. EST
| @ Charlotte
| W 113–101
| Dumars (18)
| Laimbeer (11)
| Thomas (6)
| Charlotte Coliseum23,388
| 49–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 67
| March 27, 19897:30p.m. EST
| Dallas
| W 90–77
| Thomas (30)
| Laimbeer,Rodman (11)
| Dumars (6)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 50–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 68
| March 29, 19899:30p.m. EST
| @ Utah
| W 108–104
| Thomas (25)
| Mahorn (11)
| Thomas (8)
| Salt Palace12,444
| 51–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 69
| March 31, 198910:00p.m. EST
| @ Seattle
| W 111–108
| Dumars (27)
| Rodman (7)
| Dumars,Thomas (4)
| Seattle Center Coliseum14,810
| 52–17
Detroit Pistons April #FF0000 #0000FF 7 0 4 2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 70
| April 2, 19899:00p.m. EDT
| @ L.A. Clippers
| W 117–101
| Dumars (23)
| Laimbeer (18)
| Dumars,Thomas (7)
| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena14,309
| 53–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 71
| April 4, 198910:30p.m. EDT
| @ Portland
| L 100–118
| Rodman (16)
| Rodman (18)
| Dumars (6)
| Memorial Coliseum12,880
| 53–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 72
| April 6, 19897:30p.m. EDT
| Chicago
| W 115–108
| Dumars (20)
| Laimbeer (22)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 54–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 73
| April 7, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| @ Chicago
| W 114–112 (OT)
| Johnson (30)
| Mahorn (11)
| Dumars,Johnson (8)
| Chicago Stadium18,678
| 55–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 74
| April 9, 19897:00p.m. EDT
| Milwaukee
| W 100–91
| Aguirre (20)
| Aguirre (11)
| Dumars (13)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 56–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 75
| April 10, 19897:30p.m. EDT
| @ Washington
| W 124–100
| Laimbeer (27)
| Laimbeer (11)
| Dumars (11)
| Capital Centre11,305
| 57–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 76
| April 12, 19897:30p.m. EDT
| Cleveland
| W 107–95
| Johnson (31)
| Mahorn (11)
| Dumars (11)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 58–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 77
| April 14, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| @ New York
| L 100–104
| Laimbeer (19)
| Rodman (10)
| Dumars (8)
| Madison Square Garden19,591
| 58–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 78
| April 16, 19897:00p.m. EDT
| Washington
| W 104–98
| Aguirre (19)
| Laimbeer (10)
| Dumars,Thomas (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 59–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 79
| April 18, 19897:30p.m. EDT
| @ Cleveland
| W 118–102
| Dumars (42)
| Mahorn (11)
| Dumars (11)
| Richfield Coliseum20,273
| 60–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 80
| April 19, 19897:30p.m. EDT
| Indiana
| W 115–105
| Dumars (20)
| Rodman (14)
| Dumars (11)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 61–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 81
| April 21, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| Philadelphia
| W 100–91
| Aguirre (22)
| Mahorn (9)
| Dumars (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 62–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 82
| April 23, 19893:30p.m. EDT
| Atlanta
| W 99–81
| Johnson (23)
| Rodman (13)
| Dumars (4)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 63–19
DET 1989
Detailed records
Eastern Conference Opponent Home Away Total Pct. Points scored Points allowed Atlantic Division Boston Celtics 2–0 1–1 3–1 3 1 417 404 Charlotte Hornets 2–0 2–0 4–0 4 0 406 370 New Jersey Nets 2–0 2–0 4–0 4 0 430 380 New York Knicks 0–2 0–2 0–4 0 4 389 425 Philadelphia 76ers 2–0 3–0 5–0 5 0 557 512 Washington Bullets 3–0 2–0 5–0 5 0 557 519 9–2 9–2 18–4 18 4 2756 2610 Central Division Atlanta Hawks 3–0 2–1 6–0 6 0 617 564 Chicago Bulls 3–0 3–0 6–0 6 0 655 603 Cleveland Cavaliers 2–1 1–2 3–3 3 3 597 601 Detroit Pistons — — — — — — Indiana Pacers 3–0 1–2 4–2 4 2 687 652 Milwaukee Bucks 2–1 0–3 2–4 2 4 613 652 13–2 7–8 20–10 20 10 3169 3072
Western Conference Opponent Home Away Total Pct. Points scored Points allowed Midwest Division Dallas Mavericks 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 198 176 Denver Nuggets 1–0 0–1 1–1 1 1 230 215 Houston Rockets 1–0 0–1 1–1 1 1 193 192 Miami Heat 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 225 200 San Antonio Spurs 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 209 182 Utah Jazz 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 204 189 6–0 4–2 10–2 10 2 1263 1154 Pacific Division Golden State Warriors 1–0 0–1 1–1 1 1 224 225 Los Angeles Clippers 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 227 199 Los Angeles Lakers 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 213 202 Phoenix Suns 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 227 205 Portland Trail Blazers 1–0 0–1 1–1 1 1 205 212 Sacramento Kings 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 217 184 Seattle SuperSonics 1–0 1–0 2–0 2 0 223 204 6–0 4–2 10–2 10 2 1536 1433
Playoffs
Detroit Pistons 1989 yes #0000FF #FF0000
Detroit Pistons #FF0000 #0000FF Eastern Conference First Round no yes yes 2 0 1 0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 1
| April 28, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| Boston
| W 101–91
| Dumars (25)
| Laimbeer (12)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 2
| April 30, 19893:30p.m. EDT
| Boston
| W 102–95
| Thomas (26)
| Laimbeer (15)
| Thomas (8)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 2–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 3
| May 2, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| @ Boston
| W 100–85
| Johnson (25)
| Rodman (9)
| Thomas (10)
| Boston Garden14,890
| 3–0
|-
Detroit Pistons #FF0000 #0000FF Eastern Conference Semifinals no yes 2 0 2 0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 1
| May 10, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| Milwaukee
| W 85–80
| Laimbeer (19)
| Laimbeer (17)
| Dumars (6)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 2
| May 12, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| Milwaukee
| W 112–92
| Salley (23)
| Rodman (13)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 2–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 3
| May 14, 19893:30p.m. EDT
| @ Milwaukee
| W 110–90
| Thomas (26)
| Laimbeer (11)
| Dumars (10)
| Bradley Center18,633
| 3–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 4
| May 15, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| @ Milwaukee
| W 96–94
| Dumars (22)
| Thomas (10)
| Thomas (13)
| Bradley Center18,633
| 4–0
|-
Detroit Pistons #FF0000 #0000FF Eastern Conference Finals no yes 2 1 2 1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 1
| May 21, 19891:00p.m. EDT
| Chicago
| L 88–94
| Mahorn (17)
| Laimbeer (15)
| Thomas (10)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 0–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 2
| May 23, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| Chicago
| W 100–91
| Thomas (33)
| Rodman (12)
| Thomas (4)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 1–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 3
| May 27, 19892:00p.m. EDT
| @ Chicago
| L 97–99
| Aguirre (25)
| Rodman (13)
| Thomas (11)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 1–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 4
| May 29, 19893:00p.m. EDT
| @ Chicago
| W 86–80
| Thomas (27)
| Rodman (18)
| Thomas (6)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 2–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 5
| May 31, 19898:00p.m. EDT
| Chicago
| W 94–85
| Johnson (22)
| Rodman (14)
| Thomas (12)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 3–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 6
| June 2, 19899:00p.m. EDT
| @ Chicago
| W 103–94
| Thomas (33)
| Rodman (15)
| Dumars (9)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 4–2
|-
Detroit Pistons #FF0000 #0000FF NBA Finals no yes 2 0 2 0
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 1
| June 6, 19899:00p.m. EDT
| L.A. Lakers
| W 109–97
| Thomas (24)
| Aguirre,Rodman (10)
| Thomas (9)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 2
| June 8, 19899:00p.m. EDT
| L.A. Lakers
| W 108–105
| Dumars (33)
| Aguirre (6)
| Thomas (7)
| The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454
| 2–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 3
| June 11, 19893:30p.m. EDT
| @ L.A. Lakers
| W 114–110
| Dumars (31)
| Rodman (19)
| Thomas (8)
| Great Western Forum17,505
| 3–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 4
| June 13, 19899:00p.m. EDT
| @ L.A. Lakers
| W 105–97
| Dumars (23)
| Johnson,Laimbeer (6)
| Dumars,Johnson,Thomas (5)
| Great Western Forum17,505
| 4–0
|-
DET 1989 yes
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
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Aguirre, Mark Mark Aguirre 36 32 29.7 .483 .293 .738 4.2 2.5 .44 .19 15.5 Dantley, Adrian Adrian Dantley 42 42 31.9 .521 .000 .839 3.9 2.2 .55 .14 18.4 Dawkins, Darryl Darryl Dawkins 14 0 3.4 .474 .000 .500 .5 .1 .00 .07 1.9 Dembo, Fennis Fennis Dembo 31 0 2.4 .333 .000 .800 .7 .2 .03 .00 1.2 Dumars, Joe Joe Dumars 69 67 34.9 .505 .483 .850 2.5 5.7 .91 .07 17.2 Edwards, James James Edwards 76 1 16.5 .500 .000 .686 3.0 .6 .14 .41 7.3 Harris, Steve Steve Harris 3 0 2.3 .250 .000 1.000 .7 .0 .33 .00 1.3 Johnson, Vinnie Vinnie Johnson 82 21 25.3 .464 .295 .734 3.1 3.0 .90 .21 13.8 Laimbeer, Bill Bill Laimbeer 81 81 32.6 .499 .349 .840 9.6 2.2 .63 1.23 13.7 Long, John John Long 24 1 6.3 .475 .000 .846 .5 .6 .00 .08 2.0 Mahorn, Rick Rick Mahorn 72 61 24.9 .517 .000 .748 6.9 .8 .56 .92 7.2 Mannion, Pace Pace Mannion 5 0 2.8 1.000 .000 .000 .6 .0 .20 .00 .8 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 82 8 26.9 .595 .231 .626 9.4 1.2 .67 .93 9.0 Rowinski, Jim Jim Rowinski 6 0 1.3 .000 .000 1.000 .3 .0 .00 .00 .7 Salley, John John Salley 67 21 21.8 .498 .000 .692 5.0 1.1 .60 1.07 7.0 Thomas, Isiah Isiah Thomas 80 76 36.6 .464 .273 .818 3.4 8.3 1.66 .25 18.2 Williams, Micheal Micheal Williams 49 0 7.3 .364 .222 .660 .6 1.4 .27 .06 2.6
Playoffs
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Aguirre, Mark Mark Aguirre 17 17 27.2 .489 .276 .737 4.4 1.6 .47 .18 12.6 Dembo, Fennis Fennis Dembo 2 0 2.0 1.000 .000 .000 .0 .0 .00 .00 1.0 Dumars, Joe Joe Dumars 17 17 36.5 .455 .083 .861 2.6 5.6 .71 .06 17.6 Edwards, James James Edwards 17 0 18.6 .471 .000 .784 2.1 .7 .06 .47 7.1 Johnson, Vinnie Vinnie Johnson 17 0 21.9 .455 .417 .758 2.6 2.5 .24 .18 14.1 Laimbeer, Bill Bill Laimbeer 17 17 29.2 .465 .357 .806 8.2 1.8 .35 .47 10.1 Long, John John Long 4 0 2.0 1.000 .000 1.000 .0 .0 .00 .00 1.2 Mahorn, Rick Rick Mahorn 17 17 21.2 .580 .000 .654 5.1 .4 .53 .76 5.7 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 17 0 24.1 .529 .000 .686 10.0 .9 .35 .71 5.8 Salley, John John Salley 17 0 23.1 .586 .000 .667 4.6 .5 .53 1.47 8.9 Thomas, Isiah Isiah Thomas 17 17 37.2 .412 .267 .740 4.3 8.3 1.59 .24 18.2 Williams, Micheal Micheal Williams 4 0 1.5 .000 .000 1.000 .5 .5 .25 .00 .5
Player statistics citation:
NBA Finals
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.
Game Home team Road Teamseries Game 1 Detroit 109 L.A. Lakers 97 1–0Game 2 Detroit 108 L.A. Lakers 105 2–0Game 3: L.A. Lakers 110 Detroit 114 3–0Game 4: L.A. Lakers 97 Detroit 105 4–0
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
External links
Detroit Pistons on Database Basketball
Detroit Pistons on Basketball Reference
References
Det
Category:Detroit Pistons seasons
Category:Eastern Conference (NBA) championship seasons
Category:NBA championship seasons
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons