Everyone talks about Laimbeer and Mahorn and the interior toughness, which they definitely had, but there was always a game plan. Well I guess two things: being tough, and being mentally tough. Terry Foster, Detroit News Pistons beat writer, 1988-1994: What stands out to you most about those championship teams? Having come within one win – and, as some fans will recall, one phantom foul – from hoisting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, the Pistons were determined, this time around, to finish the job.īelow are thoughts and memories from players, personnel and media members alike, all of whom had a front-row seat to one of the most exhilarating shows in NBA history.

They were hardened from numerous playoff battles with the Celtics and Bulls in the preceding years, and motivated by a seven-game loss to the Lakers in the NBA finals just a few months prior. The Pistons entered the 1988-89 season poised to take the next step in their quest for greatness. This cadre of talent came together under the leadership of the late Chuck Daly, who is remembered as one of the greatest NBA coaches ever. The team’s supporting cast featured the likes of Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, Dennis Rodman, James Edwards, Rick Mahorn and John Salley. But the Pistons were hardly a two-man show. The “Bad Boys,” as they became known, were led by point guard Isiah Thomas and center Bill Laimbeer, the former providing the flash and the flair, the latter providing the toughness and tenacity. 3-5 Amid COVID Spread, Requiring Employees To Get TestedĪnd they were a team in every sense of the word, relying on a deep bench and a we-over-me attitude to stand out in a league loaded with juggernauts. READ MORE: Detroit Schools Canceling Classes Jan. It was the exclamation point on a two-year run of dominance for the Pistons, who are remembered as perhaps the meanest, hardest-working team in NBA history.

Twenty-six years ago yesterday, the Detroit Pistons beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to claim their second consecutive championship.

Detroit pistons bad boys roster