1988–89 Detroit Pistons season
NBA professional basketball team season
A ticket for a November 1988 game between the Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets .
The 1988–89 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons ' 41st season in the NBA and 32nd season in the Detroit metropolitan area .[1] The Pistons moved from the Pontiac Silverdome to the brand-new Palace of Auburn Hills before the start of the season.[1]
The team won their first eight games of the season,[2] and held a 31–13 record at the All-Star break.[3] However, Adrian Dantley was unhappy with his role on the team, losing playing time to Dennis Rodman at the small forward position.[4] [5] [6] [7] At midseason, the team traded Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for All-Star forward Mark Aguirre , a childhood friend of Isiah Thomas .[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] 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.[6] [13] [14] [7] The Pistons posted a nine-game winning streak in March, won eight consecutive games between March and April, then won their final five games, finishing with a league best record of 63–19.[15] [16]
Thomas led the team with 18.2 points, 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game, and was selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game ,[17] [18] [19] [20] [21] while Joe Dumars averaged 17.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, and Vinnie Johnson contributed 13.8 points per game. In addition, Bill Laimbeer provided the team with 13.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Rodman provided with 9.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game off the bench, and Rick Mahorn averaged 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.[22] Dumars and Rodman were both named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, while Rodman finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting,[23] [24] and in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting,[25] [26] [27] and head coach Chuck Daly finished in fourth place in Coach of the Year voting.[28] [29] [30]
In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs , the Pistons swept the Boston Celtics in three straight games,[31] [32] [33] [34] then swept the 5th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in four straight games in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.[35] [36] [37] [38] In the Eastern Conference Finals, they trailed 2–1 to Michael Jordan and the 6th-seeded Chicago Bulls , but managed to win the series in six games to advance to the NBA Finals ,[39] [40] [41] [42] where the Pistons would win their first ever NBA championship , sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in four straight games, as Dumars was named Finals MVP.[43] [44] [45] [46] [47] This series was a rematch from last year's NBA Finals , with the Pistons avenging their NBA Finals loss.
Following the season, Mahorn was left unprotected in the 1989 NBA Expansion Draft , where he was selected by the newly expansion Minnesota Timberwolves .[48] [49] [50] [51] [52] However, Mahorn never played for the Timberwolves due to a contract dispute, as he was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers soon after.[53] [54] [55] [56] The Pistons and Lakers would face each other again 15 years later in the NBA Finals in 2004 , where the Pistons won in five games en route to their third NBA championship, despite being underdogs to the heavily-favored Lakers.
Draft picks
[57]
Roster
1988–89 Detroit Pistons roster
Players
Coaches
Pos.
No.
Name
Height
Weight
DOB
From
SF
23
Aguirre, Mark
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
232 lb (105 kg)
1959–12–10
DePaul
SF
45
Dantley, Adrian
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
208 lb (94 kg)
1955–02–28
Notre Dame
C
50
Dawkins, Darryl
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
251 lb (114 kg)
1957–01–11
SF
34
Dembo, Fennis
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
1966–01–24
Wyoming
SG
4
Dumars, Joe
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
1963–05–24
McNeese State
C
53
Edwards, James
7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
1955–11–22
Washington
SG
35
Harris, Steve
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
1963–10–15
Tulsa
SG
15
Johnson, Vinnie
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
200 lb (91 kg)
1956–09–01
Baylor
C
40
Laimbeer, Bill
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
1957–05–19
Notre Dame
SG
25
Long, John
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
1956–08–28
Detroit Mercy
PF
44
Mahorn, Rick
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
1958–09–21
Hampton
SF
12
Mannion, Pace
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
1960–09–22
Utah
SF
10
Rodman, Dennis
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
1961–05–13
SE Oklahoma State
PF
41
Rowinski, Jim
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
250 lb (113 kg)
1961–01–04
Purdue
PF
22
Salley, John
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
1964–05–16
Georgia Tech
PG
11
Thomas, Isiah
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
1961–04–30
Indiana
PG
24
Williams, Micheal
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
1966–07–23
Baylor
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
(DP) Unsigned draft pick(FA) Free agent(S) Suspended Injured
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
Record vs. opponents
1988–89 NBA Records
Team
ATL
BOS
CHA
CHI
CLE
DAL
DEN
DET
GSW
HOU
IND
LAC
LAL
MIA
MIL
NJN
NYK
PHI
PHO
POR
SAC
SAS
SEA
UTA
WAS
Atlanta
—
3–1
4–1
4–2
4–2
1–1
0–2
1–5
1–1
1–1
5–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
6–0
4–1
2–2
2–2
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
3–1
Boston
1–3
—
6–0
1–3
1–4
1–1
1–1
1–3
1–1
1–1
2–3
2–0
1–1
2–0
2–2
5–1
3–3
3–3
0–2
1–1
2–0
2–0
0–2
1–1
2–4
Charlotte
1–4
0–6
—
1–4
0–4
0–2
0–2
0–4
0–2
0–2
2–2
2–0
0–2
1–1
0–4
2–4
2–4
3–3
0–2
0–2
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–5
Chicago
2–4
3–1
4–1
—
0–6
2–0
1–1
0–6
1–1
1–1
4–2
1–1
2–0
2–0
6–0
2–2
3–2
1–3
1–1
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–0
0–2
3–1
Cleveland
2–4
4–1
4–0
6–0
—
2–0
2–0
3–3
1–1
1–1
5–1
1–1
0–2
2–0
3–3
4–0
2–2
3–2
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
2–2
Dallas
1–1
1–1
2–0
0–2
0–2
—
3–3
0–2
1–3
1–5
1–1
3–1
0–4
6–0
0–2
1–1
0–2
1–1
1–3
2–2
2–2
5–1
2–2
4–2
1–1
Denver
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
0–2
3–3
—
1–1
3–1
4–2
1–1
2–2
1–3
5–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–3
2–2
3–1
3–3
2–2
3–3
1–1
Detroit
5–1
3–1
4–0
6–0
3–3
2–0
1–1
—
1–1
1–1
4–2
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–4
4–0
0–4
5–0
2–0
1–1
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–0
5–0
Golden State
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
3–1
1–3
1–1
—
1–3
1–1
5–1
2–3
4–0
0–2
2–0
2–0
1–1
2–4
2–4
2–3
3–1
2–4
2–2
1–1
Houston
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
5–1
2–4
1–1
3–1
—
2–0
2–2
1–3
4–2
1–1
2–0
0–2
0–2
1–3
3–1
2–2
6–0
2–2
2–4
0–2
Indiana
1–5
3–2
2–2
2–4
1–5
1–1
1–1
2–4
1–1
0–2
—
1–1
0–2
1–1
2–4
1–3
0–5
0–4
1–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–3
L.A. Clippers
0–2
0–2
0–2
1–1
1–1
1–3
2–2
0–2
1–5
2–2
1–1
—
1–5
1–3
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
1–5
1–5
2–3
3–1
1–4
1–3
0–2
L.A. Lakers
1–1
1–1
2–0
0–2
2–0
4–0
3–1
0–2
3–2
3–1
2–0
5–1
—
4–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
2–0
3–3
5–0
5–1
3–1
4–2
1–3
1–1
Miami
1–1
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
0–6
1–5
0–2
0–4
2–4
1–1
3–1
0–4
—
0–2
1–1
1–1
0–2
0–4
0–4
1–3
2–4
0–4
1–5
0–2
Milwaukee
0–6
2–2
4–0
0–6
3–3
2–0
2–0
4–2
2–0
1–1
4–2
2–0
1–1
2–0
—
4–1
1–3
3–1
1–1
2–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–1
New Jersey
1–4
1–5
4–2
2–2
0–4
1–1
1–1
0–4
0–2
0–2
3–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–4
—
2–4
1–5
1–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
2–0
0–2
1–5
New York
2–2
3–3
4–2
2–3
2–2
2–0
1–1
4–0
0–2
2–0
5–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
3–1
4–2
—
2–4
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
5–1
Philadelphia
2–2
3–3
3–3
3–1
2–3
1–1
1–1
0–5
1–1
2–0
4–0
2–0
0–2
2–0
1–3
5–1
4–2
—
0–2
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–2
Phoenix
1–1
2–0
2–0
1–1
0–2
3–1
3–1
0–2
4–2
3–1
1–1
5–1
3–3
4–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
2–0
—
2–3
5–1
3–1
4–1
2–2
2–0
Portland
1–1
1–1
2–0
0–2
0–2
2–2
2–2
1–1
4–2
1–3
0–2
5–1
0–5
4–0
0–2
2–0
0–2
1–1
3–2
—
3–3
4–0
2–4
0–4
1–1
Sacramento
0–2
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
2–2
1–3
0–2
3–2
2–2
1–1
3–2
1–5
3–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
0–2
1–5
3–3
—
2–2
1–5
1–3
0–2
San Antonio
1–1
0–2
0–2
0–2
0–2
1–5
3–3
0–2
1–3
0–6
0–2
1–3
1–3
4–2
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–3
0–4
2–2
—
0–4
1–5
1–1
Seattle
1–1
2–0
1–1
0–2
1–1
2–2
2–2
0–2
4–2
2–2
1–1
4–1
2–4
4–0
1–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
1–4
4–2
5–1
4–0
—
3–1
1–1
Utah
1–1
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
2–4
3–3
0–2
2–2
4–2
1–1
3–1
3–1
5–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
2–2
4–0
3–1
5–1
1–3
—
2–0
Washington
1–3
4–2
5–1
1–3
2–2
1–1
1–1
0–5
1–1
2–0
3–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–4
5–1
1–5
2–4
0–2
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
0–2
—
Game log
Regular season
1988–89 game log Total: 63–19 (Home: 37–4; Road: 26–15)
November: 11–3 (home: 4–1; road: 7–2)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
1
8:30 p.m. EST
@ Chicago
W 107–94
Dantley (22)
Mahorn (10)
Thomas (14)
Chicago Stadium 18,420
1–0
2
7:30 p.m. EST
Charlotte
W 94–85
Dantley (18)
Laimbeer (12)
Dumars ,Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
2–0
3
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Philadelphia
W 116–109
Dumars (30)
Laimbeer (11)
Dumars ,Thomas (9)
The Spectrum 10,115
3–0
4
7:30 p.m. EST
Atlanta
W 101–95
Thomas (21)
Laimbeer (13)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
4–0
5
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Boston
W 116–107
Dantley (31)
Mahorn (6)
Thomas (10)
Boston Garden 14,890
5–0
6
8:30 p.m. EST
@ Dallas
W 108–99
Laimbeer (23)
Laimbeer (21)
Thomas (12)
Reunion Arena 17,007
6–0
7
8:30 p.m. EST
@ San Antonio
W 94–88
Dumars (20)
Mahorn (10)
Thomas (8)
HemisFair Arena 11,991
7–0
8
9:30 p.m. EST
@ Phoenix
W 121–105
Dumars (31)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (11)
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 14,471
8–0
9
8:30 p.m. EST
@ Houston
L 98–109
Thomas (26)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (6)
The Summit 16,611
8–1
10
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Charlotte
W 99–93
Dumars (26)
Mahorn (10)
Thomas (8)
Charlotte Coliseum 23,389
9–1
11
7:30 p.m. EST
New York
L 111–133
Dantley (25)
Laimbeer ,Rodman (9)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
9–2
12
8:30 p.m. EST
L.A. Lakers
W 102–99
Dumars (20)
Mahorn (11)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
10–2
13
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Indiana
L 98–107
Laimbeer (22)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (12)
Market Square Arena 10,275
10–3
14
7:30 p.m. EST
Indiana
W 114–111
Thomas (36)
Laimbeer (9)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
11–3
December: 9–4 (home: 6–1; road: 3–3)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
15
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Washington
W 120–114
Dantley (28)
Mahorn (8)
Thomas (10)
Capital Centre 12,606
12–3
16
7:30 p.m. EST
@ New Jersey
W 102–99
Dantley (21)
Mahorn (12)
Thomas (8)
Brendan Byrne Arena 12,517
13–3
17
8:30 p.m. EST
@ Milwaukee
L 84–109
Dantley (17)
Laimbeer (6)
Laimbeer (6)
Bradley Center 15,619
13–4
18
7:30 p.m. EST
Chicago
W 102–89
Dantley (31)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (13)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
14–4
19
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Atlanta
W 92–82
Dumars (24)
Laimbeer ,Rodman ,Salley (8)
Dumars (6)
The Omni 16,374
15–4
20
7:30 p.m. EST
Philadelphia
W 106–100
Thomas (37)
Laimbeer (15)
Laimbeer (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
16–4
21
7:30 p.m. EST
Milwaukee
L 110–119
Dantley (22)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
16–5
22
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Cleveland
L 98–119
Dumars (16)
Rodman (10)
Williams (7)
Richfield Coliseum 18,718
16–6
23
7:30 p.m. EST
Charlotte
W 100–91
Thomas (25)
Mahorn (12)
Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
17–6
24
7:30 p.m. EST
Miami
W 116–100
Johnson (22)
Rodman (9)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
18–6
25
7:30 p.m. EST
@ New York
L 85–88
Johnson (19)
Mahorn (14)
Yhomas (7)
Madison Square Garden 19,591
18–7
26
7:30 p.m. EST
Phoenix
W 106–100
Dantley (24)
Rodman (14)
Dumars (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
19–7
27
8:00 p.m. EST
Houston
W 95–83
Dumars (28)
Laimbeer ,Mahorn (13)
Dantley ,Laimbeer ,Thomas (5)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
20–7
January: 8–6 (home: 7–2; road: 1–4)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
28
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Atlanta
L 104–123
Thomas (28)
Rodman (8)
Thomas (6)
The Omni 16,371
20–8
29
8:00 p.m. EST
Atlanta
W 111–88
Laimbeer ,Thomas (19)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
21–8
30
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Indiana
L 99–113
Thomas (31)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (8)
Market Square Arena 16,105
21–9
31
7:30 p.m. EST
New York
L 93–100
Laimbeer (21)
Rodman (10)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
21–10
32
8:00 p.m. EST
Washington
W 119–103
Dantley (35)
Laimbeer (14)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
22–10
33
2:30 p.m. EST
@ Milwaukee
L 112–120
Thomas (25)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (13)
Bradley Center 18,633
22–11
34
7:30 p.m. EST
Boston
W 96–87
Johnson (21)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
23–11
35
7:30 p.m. EST
New Jersey
W 103–90
Dantley (24)
Rodman (16)
Johnson ,Thomas (6)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
24–11
36
8:00 p.m. EST
Indiana
W 132–99
Laimbeer (27)
Laimbeer ,Rodman (11)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
25–11
37
12 Noon EST
@ Boston
L 99–112
Thomas (26)
Salley (11)
Salley ,Thomas (5)
Boston Garden 14,890
25–12
38
7:30 p.m. EST
Golden State
W 105–104
Thomas (27)
Rodman (16)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
26–12
39
8:00 p.m. EST
Cleveland
L 79–80
Johnson ,Thomas (22)
Rodman (17)
Thomas (5)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
26–13
40
7:00 p.m. EST
Sacramento
W 122–97
Rodman (24)
Rodman (16)
Thomas (15)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
27–13
41
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Chicago
W 104–98 (OT)
Thomas (34)
Rodman (14)
Dantley (8)
Chicago Stadium 18,288
28–13
February: 8–3 (home: 4–0; road: 4–3)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
42
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Philadelphia
W 124–106
Dantley (33)
Laimbeer ,Salley ,Thomas (7)
Thomas (7)
The Spectrum 15,268
29–13
43
2:00 p.m. EST
Chicago
W 113–102
Johnson (27)
Rodman (13)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
30–13
44
7:30 p.m. EST
Milwaukee
W 107–96
Laimbeer (22)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (14)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
31–13
All-Star Break
45
10:30 p.m. EST
@ L.A. Lakers
W 111–103
Dumars ,Thomas (23)
Rodman (15)
Thomas (15)
Great Western Forum 17,505
32–13
46
10:30 p.m. EST
@ Sacramento
W 95–84
Dumars ,Johnson ,Laimbeer (20)
Rodman (15)
Thomas (14)
ARCO Arena 16,517
33–13
47
10:00 p.m. EST
@ Golden State
L 119–121 (OT)
Laimbeer ,Rodman (32)
Rodman (21)
Thomas (13)
Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena 15,025
33–14
48
4:00 p.m. EST
@ Denver
L 101–103
Johnson (21)
Laimbeer (16)
Thomas (10)
McNichols Sports Arena 17,022
33–15
49
7:30 p.m. EST
Portland
W 105–94
Dumars (19)
Rodman (15)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
34–15
50
7:30 p.m. EST
@ New Jersey
W 113–95
Aguirre (31)
Mahorn (9)
Dumars (10)
Brendan Byrne Arena 20,049
35–15
51
7:00 p.m. EST
L.A. Clippers
W 110–98
Thomas (21)
Rodman (13)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
36–15
52
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Cleveland
L 99–115
Aguirre ,Thomas (28)
Rodman (11)
Thomas (13)
Richfield Coliseum 20,246
36–16
March: 16–1 (home: 9–0; road: 7–1)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
53
7:30 p.m. EST
Utah
W 96–85
Johnson (34)
Laimbeer (13)
Dumars (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
37–16
54
8:00 p.m. EST
Cleveland
W 96–90
Laimbeer (24)
Laimbeer (14)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
38–16
55
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Miami
W 109–100
Johnson ,Thomas (22)
Rodman (10)
Thomas (8)
Miami Arena 15,008
39–16
56
7:30 p.m. EST
Denver
W 129–116
Dumars (25)
Mahorn (19)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
40–16
57
7:30 p.m. EST
Seattle
W 112–96
Thomas (27)
Laimbeer (19)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
41–16
58
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Philadelphia
W 111–106
Thomas (34)
Laimbeer (16)
Thomas (8)
The Spectrum 17,678
42–16
59
7:00 p.m. EST
Washington
W 110–104
Laimbeer (24)
Laimbeer (16)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
43–16
60
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Indiana
W 129–117
Dumars (30)
Johnson (7)
Dumars (8)
Market Square Arena 12,031
44–16
61
8:00 p.m. EST
Boston
W 106–98
Johnson (30)
Laimbeer ,Rodman (10)
Dumars (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
45–16
62
9:00 p.m. EST
@ Milwaukee
L 100–117
Aguirre ,Johnson (14)
Rodman (13)
Dumars (9)
Bradley Center 18,633
45–17
63
8:00 p.m. EST
@ Atlanta
W 110–95
Thomas (26)
Laimbeer (12)
Dumars (9)
The Omni 16,371
46–17
64
7:30 p.m. EST
San Antonio
W 115–94
Laimbeer (21)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
47–17
65
8:00 p.m. EST
New Jersey
W 112–96
Dumars (35)
Aguirre (11)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
48–17
66
7:30 p.m. EST
@ Charlotte
W 113–101
Dumars (18)
Laimbeer (11)
Thomas (6)
Charlotte Coliseum 23,388
49–17
67
7:30 p.m. EST
Dallas
W 90–77
Thomas (30)
Laimbeer ,Rodman (11)
Dumars (6)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
50–17
68
9:30 p.m. EST
@ Utah
W 108–104
Thomas (25)
Mahorn (11)
Thomas (8)
Salt Palace 12,444
51–17
69
10:00 p.m. EST
@ Seattle
W 111–108
Dumars (27)
Rodman (7)
Dumars ,Thomas (4)
Seattle Center Coliseum 14,810
52–17
April: 11–2 (home: 7–0; road: 4–2)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
70
9:00 p.m. EDT
@ L.A. Clippers
W 117–101
Dumars (23)
Laimbeer (18)
Dumars ,Thomas (7)
Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 14,309
54–16
71
10:30 p.m. EDT
@ Portland
L 100–118
Rodman (16)
Rodman (18)
Dumars (6)
Memorial Coliseum 12,880
53–18
72
7:30 p.m. EDT
Chicago
W 115–108
Dumars (20)
Laimbeer (22)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
54–18
73
8:00 p.m. EDT
@ Chicago
W 114–112 (OT)
Johnson (30)
Mahorn (11)
Dumars ,Johnson (8)
Chicago Stadium 18,678
55–18
74
7:00 p.m. EDT
Milwaukee
W 100–91
Aguirre (20)
Aguirre (11)
Dumars (13)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
56–18
75
7:30 p.m. EDT
@ Washington
W 124–100
Laimbeer (27)
Laimbeer (11)
Dumars (11)
Capital Centre 11,305
57–18
76
7:30 p.m. EDT
Cleveland
W 107–95
Johnson (31)
Mahorn (11)
Dumars (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
58–18
77
8:00 p.m. EDT
@ New York
L 100–104
Laimbeer (19)
Rodman (10)
Dumars (8)
Madison Square Garden 19,591
58–19
78
7:00 p.m. EDT
Washington
W 104–98
Aguirre (19)
Laimbeer (10)
Dumars ,Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
59–19
79
7:30 p.m. EDT
@ Cleveland
W 118–102
Dumars (42)
Mahorn (11)
Dumars (11)
Richfield Coliseum 20,273
60–19
80
7:30 p.m. EDT
Indiana
W 115–105
Dumars (20)
Rodman (14)
Dumars (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
61–19
81
8:00 p.m. EDT
Philadelphia
W 100–91
Aguirre (22)
Mahorn (9)
Dumars (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
62–19
82
3:30 p.m. EDT
Atlanta
W 99–81
Johnson (23)
Rodman (13)
Dumars (4)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
63–19
1988–89 schedule
Playoffs
1989 playoff game log
Eastern Conference First Round: 3–0 (home: 2–0; road: 1–0)
Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
Eastern Conference Finals: 4–2 (home: 2–1; road: 2–1)
NBA Finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
1989 schedule
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 .
Game officials
Pre season
Regular season
Game
Date
Opponent
Officials
1
11–4–1988
@ Chicago
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 40 Mike Lauerman
2
11–5–1988
Charlotte
3
11–8–1988
@ Philadelphia
No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 50 Lee Jones, No. 8 Lee Jones
4
11–9–1988
Atlanta
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 53 Jim Kinsey
5
11–11–1988
@ Boston
No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore
6
11–15–1988
@ Dallas
No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
7
11–16–1988
@ San Antonio
8
11–18–1988
@ Phoenix
No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 14 Jack Madden
9
11–19–1988
@ Houston
No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter
10
11–22–1988
@ Charlotte
11
11–23–1988
New York
No. 63 Ted Bernhardt, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
12
11–26–1988
L.A. Lakers
No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 4 Ed T. Rush
13
11–29–1988
@ Indiana
No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 44 Ron Olesiak
14
11–30–1988
Indiana
No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 10 Dareel Garretson, No. 23 Ron Garretson
15
12–2–1988
@ Washington
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 28 Tommy Nunez
16
12–4–1988
@ New Jersey
17
12–6–1988
@ Milwaukee
No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 24 Bill Saar, No. 57 Greg Willard
18
12–7–1988
Chicago
No. 33 Joe Borgia, No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 8 Lee Jones
19
12–9–1988
@ Atlanta
No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 54 Woody Mayfield
20
12–10–1988
Philadelphia
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 28 Tommy Nunez, No. 39 Tommie Wood
21
12–14–1988
Milwaukee
No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
22
12–15–1988
@ Cleveland
No. 19 Jim Capers, No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 8 Lee Jomes
23
12–17–1988
Charlotte
24
12–20–1988
Miami
25
12–22–1988
@ New York
No. 28 Tommy Nunez, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 44 Ron Olesiak
26
12–28–1988
Phoenix
No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell
27
12–30–1988
Houston
Ted Bernhardt, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 4 Ed T. Rush
28
1–3–1989
@ Atlanta
No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 4 Ed T. Rush
29
1–6–1989
Atlanta
No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 13 Mike Mathis, Mo. 39 Jess Thompson
30
1–7–1989
@ Indiana
No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 37 Blaine Reichelt
31
1–11–1989
New York
No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 44 Ron Olesiak
32
1–13–1989
Washington
No. 26 Bob Delaney, Jim Huetter, No. 20 Jess Kersey
33
1–15–1989
@ Milwaukee
No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 39 Jess Thompson
34
1–16–1989
Boston
No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 14 Jack Madden
35
1–18–1989
New Jersey
36
1–20–1989
Indiana
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 53 Jim Kinsey
37
1–22–1989
@ Boston
No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
38
1–25–1989
Golden State
No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore
39
1–27–1989
Cleveland
No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 58 Derrick Stafford
40
1–29–1989
Sacramento
41
1–31–1989
@ Chicago
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 23 Ron Garretson, Rusty Herring
42
2–3–1989
@ Philadelphia
No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 55 George Toliver
43
2–5–1989
Chicago
No. 33 Joe Borgia, No. 8 Lee Jones, No. 12 Earl Strom
44
2–8–1989
Milwaukee
No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 13 Mike Mathis
45
2–14–1989
@ L.A. Lakers
No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 24 Bill Saar, No. 56 Don Vaden
46
2–16–1989
@ Sacramento
47
2–18–1989
@ Golden State
No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 58 Derrick Stafford
48
2–20–1989
@ Denver
Jim Huetter, No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 12 Earl Strom
49
2–22–1989
Portland
No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore
50
2–25–1989
@ New Jersey
51
2–26–1989
L.A. Clippers
52
2–28–1989
@ Cleveland
No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 58 Derrick Stafford
53
3–1–1989
Utah
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 56 Don Vaden
54
3–3–1989
Cleveland
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 28 Tommy Nunez
55
3–5–1989
@ Miami
56
3–6–1989
Denver
No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
57
3–8–1989
Seattle
Jim Huetter, No. 8 Lee Jones, No. 12 Earl Strom
58
3–11–1989
@ Philadelphia
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 40 Mike Lauerman
59
3–12–1989
Washington
No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 39 Jess Thompson
60
3–14–1989
@ Indiana
Rusty Herring, No. 42 Hue Holline, No. 18 Ed Middleton
61
3–17–1989
Boston
No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 21 Bill Oakes
62
3–18–1989
@ Milwaukee
No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 4 Ed T. Rush
63
3–21–1989
@ Atlanta
No. 20 Jess Jersey, No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 16 Wally Rooney
64
3–22–1989
San Antonio
65
3–24–1989
New Jersey
66
3–25–1989
@ Charlotte
67
3–27–1989
Dallas
No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 34 Ronnie Nunn
68
3–29–1989
@ Utah
No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
69
3–31–1989
@ Seattle
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 44 Ron Olesiak, No. 37 Blaine Reichelt
70
4–2–1989
@ L.A. Clippers
71
4–4–1989
@ Portland
No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 13 Mike Mathis
72
4–6–1989
Chicago
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 29 Steve Javie
73
4–7–1989
@ Chicago
No. 19 Jim Capers, No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 28 Tommy Nunez
74
4–9–1989
Milwaukee
No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 12 Earl Strom
75
4–10–1989
@ Washington
No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 40 Mike Lauerman
76
4–12–1989
Cleveland
No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
77
4–14–1989
@ New York
No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore
78
4–16–1989
Washington
No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 35 Jack Nies
79
4–18–1989
@ Cleveland
No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 4 Ed T. Rush
80
4–19–1989
Indiana
No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 54 Woody Mayfield
81
4–21–1989
Philadelphia
No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 34 Ronnie Nunn
82
4–23–1989
Atlanta
No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell
Playoffs
Game
Round
Date
Opponent
Officials
Alternate
1
Eastern Conference First Round
4–28–1989
Boston
No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 18 Ed Middleton
2
Eastern Conference First Round
4–30–1989
Boston
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 23 Ron Garretson, No. 21 Bill Oakes
3
Eastern Conference First Round
5–2–1989
@ Boston
No. 4 Ed T. Rush, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush
1
Eastern Conference Semifinals
5–10–1989
Milwaukee
No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 28 Tommy Nunez
2
Eastern Conference Semifinals
5–12–1989
Milwaukee
No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore
3
Eastern Conference Semifinals
5–14–1989
@ Milwaukee
No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 29 Steve Javie
4
Eastern Conference Semifinals
5–15–1989
@ Milwaukee
No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 7 Bernie Fryer
1
Eastern Conference Finals
5–21–1989
Chicago
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 28 Tommy Nunez
2
Eastern Conference Finals
5–23–1989
Chicago
No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 24 Bill Saar
3
Eastern Conference Finals
5–27–1989
@ Chicago
No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 4 Ed T. Rush, No. 21 Bill Oakes
4
Eastern Conference Finals
5–29–1989
@ Chicago
No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 16 Wally Rooney
5
Eastern Conference Finals
5–31–1989
Chicago
No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 27 Dick Bavetta
6
Eastern Conference Finals
6–2–1989
@ Chicago
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 12 Earl Strom
1
NBA Finals
6–6–1989
L.A. Lakers
No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell
2
NBA Finals
6–8–1989
L.A. Lakers
No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 42 Hue Hollins
3
NBA Finals
6–11–1989
@ L.A. Lakers
No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 4 Ed T. Rush
4
NBA Finals
6–13–1989
@ L.A. Lakers
No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 12 Earl Strom
Player stats
Regular season
Playoffs
Player
GP
GS
MPG
FG%
3P%
FT%
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
PPG
Mark Aguirre
17
17
27.2
.489
.276
.737
4.4
1.6
.47
.18
12.6
Fennis Dembo
2
0
2.0
1.000
.000
.000
.0
.0
.00
.00
1.0
Joe Dumars
17
17
36.5
.455
.083
.861
2.6
5.6
.71
.06
17.6
James Edwards
17
0
18.6
.471
.000
.784
2.1
.7
.06
.47
7.1
Vinnie Johnson
17
0
21.9
.455
.417
.758
2.6
2.5
.24
.18
14.1
Bill Laimbeer
17
17
29.2
.465
.357
.806
8.2
1.8
.35
.47
10.1
John Long
4
0
2.0
1.000
.000
1.000
.0
.0
.00
.00
1.2
Rick Mahorn
17
17
21.2
.580
.000
.654
5.1
.4
.53
.76
5.7
Dennis Rodman
17
0
24.1
.529
.000
.686
10.0
.9
.35
.71
5.8
John Salley
17
0
23.1
.586
.000
.667
4.6
.5
.53
1.47
8.9
Isiah Thomas
17
17
37.2
.412
.267
.740
4.3
8.3
1.59
.24
18.2
Micheal Williams
4
0
1.5
.000
.000
1.000
.5
.5
.25
.00
.5
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 Team
series
Game 1
Detroit 109
L.A. Lakers 97
1–0
Game 2
Detroit 108
L.A. Lakers 105
2–0
Game 3:
L.A. Lakers 110
Detroit 114
3–0
Game 4:
L.A. Lakers 97
Detroit 105
4–0
Pistons win series 4–0
Award winners
External links
References
^ a b "1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats" . Basketball-Reference.com .
^ "Detroit Pistons at Phoenix Suns Box Score, November 18, 1988" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved February 28, 2024 .
^ "NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ Waitzkin, Fred (January 8, 1989). "What Drives the Pistons" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 25, 2022 .
^ "Pistons Halt an Uneasy Marriage; Adrian Dantley Sent Packing for a Younger Man" . Mitch Albom . Detroit Free Press. February 16, 1989. Retrieved February 28, 2024 .
^ a b McCallum, Jack (March 6, 1989). "And the Winner Is...; Who Got the Better Deal, Detroit in Mark Aguirre or Dallas in Adrian Dantley?" . Sports Illustrated Vault . Retrieved February 28, 2024 .
^ a b "Dantley Was Ushered Out of Detroit Before He Could Win a Title" . Vintage Detroit . March 19, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ "Mavericks Trade Aguirre to Pistons" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. February 15, 1989. Retrieved June 20, 2023 .
^ Mike, Rabun (February 15, 1989). "The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons Wednesday Exchanged All-Star..." United Press International . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ "Dantley Traded for Aguirre" . Deseret News . February 15, 1989. Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Mavericks Send Aguirre to Pistons for Dantley" . The New York Times . February 16, 1989. Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ Baker, Chris (February 16, 1989). "Pistons Acquire Aguirre in Trade for Dantley, Pick" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ "Dantley Says Politics, Not Basketball, Led to Trade" . United Press International . June 11, 1989. Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ Cotton, Anthony (October 18, 1989). "He May Play for Dallas Now, But Don't Brand Dantley a Maverick" . The Washington Post . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ "1988–89 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ "Chevette to Corvette No. 1: The 1988–89 Detroit Pistons" . January 9, 2012.
^ Goldaper, Sam (February 1, 1989). "BASKETBALL; Jackson and Ewing Are Chosen as All-Stars" . The New York Times . Retrieved May 21, 2023 .
^ McManis, Sam (February 12, 1989). "Today's All-Star Game May Lack the Usual Magic: Without Johnson and Bird, NBA Showcase Just Won't Be the Same" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 20, 2022 .
^ "NBA All-Star Weekend Stars Will Have to Shine Without Bird, Magic Spotlights" . Sun Sentinel . February 12, 1989. Retrieved May 21, 2023 .
^ "1989 NBA All-Star Recap" . NBA.com . NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2023 .
^ "1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ "1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ "IN BRIEF: Utah's Eaton Gets Defensive Award" . Los Angeles Times . Times Wire Services. May 11, 1989. Retrieved December 27, 2022 .
^ "Sports Digest" . United Press International . May 11, 1989. Retrieved February 29, 2024 .
^ "Suns' Johnson Wins NBA's 6th Man Award" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. May 8, 1989. Retrieved December 27, 2022 .
^ "Bailey Finishes Second in Sixth-Man Balloting" . Deseret News . May 9, 1989. Retrieved December 27, 2022 .
^ "1988–89 NBA Awards Voting" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved February 14, 2022 .
^ "Fitzsimmons Coach of Year" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. May 25, 1989. Retrieved December 28, 2022 .
^ "Cotton Fitzsimmons, Who Led the Phoenix Suns to the..." United Press International . May 25, 1989. Retrieved January 31, 2023 .
^ "Around the NBA" . The Washington Post . May 26, 1989. Retrieved November 6, 2023 .
^ Waterman, Frederick (May 2, 1989). "Pistons Sweep Celtics" . United Press International . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ Gold, Allan R. (May 3, 1989). "Pistons' Defense Smothers Celtics' Season" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ Aldridge, David (May 3, 1989). "Pistons Finish Sweep of Celtics" . The Washington Post . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ "1989 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Celtics vs. Pistons" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved March 20, 2023 .
^ DiGiovanni, Joe (May 15, 1989). "Pistons 96, Bucks 94" . United Press International . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ Brown, Clifton (May 16, 1989). "Pistons Edge Bucks to Complete a Sweep" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ "NBA PLAYOFFS: Pistons Sweep Bucks Out of the Way" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. May 16, 1989. Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ "1989 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bucks vs. Pistons" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved March 20, 2023 .
^ Brown, Clifton (June 3, 1989). "Pistons Earn a Rematch with Lakers in Final" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ Downey, Mike (June 3, 1989). "No Bull, Lakers Get Pistons Again: After Smoke Clears, 'Gangsters' Have 103-94 Victory in Game 6" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ Smith, Sam (June 3, 1989). "Pistons Finish Bulls with K.O." Chicago Tribune . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ "1989 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Pistons" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved March 20, 2023 .
^ Barnes, Mike (June 13, 1989). "Pistons Win NBA Title" . United Press International . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ Goldaper, Sam (June 14, 1989). "Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ McManis, Sam (June 14, 1989). "Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ Smith, Sam (June 14, 1989). "Pistons Sweep to NBA Title" . Chicago Tribune . Retrieved December 5, 2022 .
^ "1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved March 20, 2023 .
^ Brown, Clifton (June 16, 1989). "Knicks' Green Is Taken First in N.B.A.'s Expansion Draft" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (June 16, 1989). "NBA Expansion Draft: Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ Cotton, Anthony (June 16, 1989). "Green Tabbed No. 1, Mahorn No. 2 in NBA Expansion Draft" . The Washington Post . Retrieved January 31, 2023 .
^ Smith, Sam (June 16, 1989). "Magic Day for Vincent, Not for Mahorn" . Chicago Tribune . Retrieved July 8, 2023 .
^ "1989 NBA Expansion Draft" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ "Mahorn Traded to 76ers" . The New York Times . October 28, 1989. Retrieved February 10, 2022 .
^ "Mahorn Is Traded to 76ers" . Los Angeles Times . October 28, 1989. Retrieved December 6, 2022 .
^ "Timberwolves Trade Mahorn to the 76ers" . The Washington Post . October 28, 1989. Retrieved July 8, 2023 .
^ "Minnesota Trades Mahorn to Philadelphia" . Deseret News . October 28, 1989. Retrieved July 8, 2023 .
^ "1988 NBA Draft on Basketballreference.com" . Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved May 5, 2009 .
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