The Pistons had again reached the NBA Finals for the third time in as many years. However, unlike the previous two years, the Los Angeles Lakers were not waiting in the wings. This time, the Pistons would battle the Portland Trailblazers and All-Stars Clyde Drexler and Kevin Duckworth. The teams split the first two games at The Palace. As the series moved to the great northwest, the Pistons had some demons to overcome. They had not won in Portland in 16 years, a streak of 20 consecutive games. Dennis Rodman had an ankle injury and Vinnie Johnson was mired in a three for 25 shooting slump. To make matters worse, about 90 minutes before tip-off, Joe Dumars father, Joe Dumars II, passed away from complications caused by diabetes. On the advice of Joes wife, Daly withheld the information until after the game. The unaware Dumars tallied 33 points and Vinnie Johnson ended his slump with 21 points. After the game, Dumars received the devastating information. Dumars mother insisted that he remain with the team and finish the job they had begun. The Pistons also won Game Four 112-109, to take a commanding three games to one series lead. The Pistons faced a tough test in Game Five. It is often said that a team facing elimination is most dangerous. The Blazers were now forced to play for their playoff lives. The Pistons trailed 90-83 with two minutes left and Isiah Thomas on the bench, bloody from an inadvertent elbow to his nose. The Pistons scored seven consecutive points and with …
Video Rating: 5 / 5
i like that music beginning in 1:17
@AvengingDudikoff well I would say the Bulls hated the Pistons more because of what they put the Bulls through, you would say the Knicks disliked the Bulls more because they were able to handle em each year in the Playoffs…
@jaboo82681 Indeed remember when Pistons/Bulls games meant everything? I mean it’s sort of sad that they both now aren’t nearly as awesome as they once were. I always assumed that the Bulls hated the Pistons more than the Knicks but a lot of people say that isn’t the case.
As a Lakers fan, it’s awesome that you uploaded these vids. Thanks from a Detroit fan that appreciates good sportsmanship and the wonderful striving force that we call being a good, honest fan.
thank you so much…i nevere watched this game …cause was young …thanks.
I have both the “Pure Pistons” and “Motor City Madness” DVD’s. They’re a great watch.
The best Lakers team of the 80s was the 87 team, which in my view was better than any other 80s team (including the 86 Celtics) except the 83 Sixers.
still can’t believe portland didn’t get a championship out of that. They were by far a better team, but they choked so hard.
@LakersDynasty42 do you know what’ the music in the beggining?
this was their year
I agree that Detroit would’ve won if Isiah hadn’t injured his ankle which is why I brought up the 1985 Lakers.
No offense to the Lakers but in 88 they faced an injured Pistons team too and still almost lost to the Pistons. If it wasn’t for that stupid fou call the Pistons would of won in 6. Again no disrespect but still..
To be honest I hated those Pistons teams cause they always beated on my Bulls teams but that yr of 89 was there year to win. To many things fell into place for them, I think if Byron and Magic were healthy it would’ve been probably one of the greatest series of all time because of the subplots heading into that Finals. But I think Detroit would’ve won in hard fought 7 game series, the thing about it is that the Pistons matched up very well against the Lakers unlike against Chicago…
I agree Arch. No disrespect to Detroit but they faced an injured Laker team with an aging Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1989 NBA Finals. If they faced the 1985 Los Angles Lakers I think it’d be a different story.
if only magic and byron scott didnt get hurt
not sure if they would have won that series cause the pistons were that dominant, but they wouldnt have got swept…