The 1989-90 Detroit Pistons, known as the “Bad Boys,” captured their second consecutive NBA championship under coach Chuck Daly. They finished the regular season with a 59-23 record, securing the Central Division title. The team was led by the fierce backcourt duo of Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, with key contributions from Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and Vinnie Johnson.
In the playoffs, the Pistons showcased their tenacious defense and physical play style. They defeated the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Chicago Bulls to reach the NBA Finals. In the Finals, Detroit faced the Portland Trail Blazers and triumphed in five games, with Joe Dumars earning the NBA Finals MVP honors. This championship run solidified the Pistons’ legacy as one of the toughest and most resilient teams in NBA history.
- Regular Season Record: 59-23
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 4-1
Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats for 1989-90 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Isiah Thomas | 81 | 18.4 | 3.8 | 9.4 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 30.9 | 20 | 20.5 | 5.4 | 8.1 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 47.1 |
| Joe Dumars | 75 | 17.8 | 2.8 | 4.9 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 40.0 | 20 | 18.2 | 2.2 | 4.8 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 26.3 |
| James Edwards | 82 | 14.5 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 20 | 14.3 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Mark Aguirre | 78 | 14.1 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 33.3 | 20 | 10.9 | 4.6 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 33.3 |
| Bill Laimbeer | 81 | 12.1 | 9.6 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 36.1 | 20 | 11.1 | 10.6 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 34.9 |
| Vinnie Johnson | 82 | 9.8 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 14.7 | 20 | 10.3 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 28.6 |
| Dennis Rodman | 82 | 8.8 | 9.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 11.1 | 19 | 6.6 | 8.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| John Salley | 82 | 7.2 | 5.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 25.0 | 20 | 9.5 | 5.8 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 0.0 |
| William Bedford | 42 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 16.7 | 5 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Gerald Henderson | 46 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 45.2 | 8 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dave Greenwood | 37 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 5 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Stan Kimbrough | 10 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Scott Hastings | 40 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 25.0 | 5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Ralph Lewis | 4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Detroit Pistons in the 1990 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Indiana Pacers
In the first round of the 1990 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons showcased their tenacity and defensive prowess by sweeping the Indiana Pacers in a decisive 3-0 series victory. The u0022Bad Boysu0022 lived up to their reputation, leveraging their physical play and depth to stifle the Pacers' offensive efforts. This dominant start set the tone for Detroit's eventual repeat as NBA champions, highlighting their resilience and strategic execution.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 1990 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 104-92 | |
| Apr 28, 1990 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 100-87 | |
| May 01, 1990 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 108-96 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. New York Knicks
In the 1990 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons showcased their resilience and defensive prowess during the second round against the New York Knicks. Led by Isiah Thomas and the 'Bad Boys' defense, the Pistons managed to defeat the Knicks in five games. This victory set the stage for their eventual march to a second consecutive NBA Championship, solidifying their legacy as one of the most formidable teams of the era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 08, 1990 | vs. New York Knicks | W 112-77 | |
| May 10, 1990 | vs. New York Knicks | W 104-97 | |
| May 12, 1990 | @ New York Knicks | L 111-103 | |
| May 13, 1990 | @ New York Knicks | W 102-90 | |
| May 15, 1990 | vs. New York Knicks | W 95-84 |
1990 Conference Championship vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 1990 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons showcased their dominance in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Chicago Bulls in a grueling seven-game series. Known for their u0022Bad Boysu0022 persona, the Pistons' aggressive defense and strategic gameplay, led by Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, managed to contain Michael Jordan, securing their path to the NBA Finals. This victory not only highlighted their resilience but also set the stage for their successful defense of the NBA Championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 1990 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 86-77 | |
| May 22, 1990 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 102-93 | |
| May 26, 1990 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 107-102 | |
| May 28, 1990 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 108-101 | |
| May 30, 1990 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 97-83 | |
| Jun 01, 1990 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 109-91 | |
| Jun 03, 1990 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 93-74 |
1990 NBA Finals vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the 1990 NBA Finals, the Detroit Pistons cemented their status as a dominant force by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games to secure their second consecutive championship. Known for their suffocating defense and physical style of play, the u0022Bad Boysu0022 were led by Finals MVP Isiah Thomas, whose leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal in overcoming a talented Portland squad. This victory solidified the Pistons' legacy as one of the toughest teams of their era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 05, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 105-99 | |
| Jun 07, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 106-105 | |
| Jun 10, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 121-106 | |
| Jun 12, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 112-109 | |
| Jun 14, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 92-90 |
Detroit Pistons 1989-90 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1989-90 season for the Detroit Pistons.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 1989 | vs. New York Knicks | W 106-103 | |
| Nov 04, 1989 | @ Washington Bullets | W 95-93 | |
| Nov 07, 1989 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 117-114 | |
| Nov 08, 1989 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 95-74 | |
| Nov 10, 1989 | @ Orlando Magic | W 125-121 | |
| Nov 11, 1989 | @ Miami Heat | L 88-84 | |
| Nov 15, 1989 | vs. Miami Heat | W 130-94 | |
| Nov 17, 1989 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 106-79 | |
| Nov 18, 1989 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 103-86 | |
| Nov 21, 1989 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 103-96 | |
| Nov 24, 1989 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 101-82 | |
| Nov 26, 1989 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 102-82 | |
| Nov 28, 1989 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 93-81 | |
| Nov 29, 1989 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 111-103 | |
| Dec 01, 1989 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 108-97 | |
| Dec 02, 1989 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 120-95 | |
| Dec 06, 1989 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 115-107 | |
| Dec 08, 1989 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 107-101 | |
| Dec 09, 1989 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 121-93 | |
| Dec 12, 1989 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 121-108 | |
| Dec 13, 1989 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 83-79 | |
| Dec 15, 1989 | @ Utah Jazz | L 94-91 | |
| Dec 16, 1989 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 104-92 | |
| Dec 19, 1989 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 94-77 | |
| Dec 22, 1989 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 96-90 | |
| Dec 23, 1989 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 106-100 | |
| Dec 27, 1989 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 99-82 | |
| Dec 29, 1989 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 99-85 | |
| Dec 30, 1989 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 117-106 | |
| Jan 02, 1990 | @ Orlando Magic | W 115-113 | |
| Jan 03, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 84-80 | |
| Jan 05, 1990 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 122-99 | |
| Jan 06, 1990 | vs. New York Knicks | W 117-106 | |
| Jan 09, 1990 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 100-90 | |
| Jan 10, 1990 | @ Boston Celtics | L 104-97 | |
| Jan 12, 1990 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 97-86 | |
| Jan 13, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 111-106 | |
| Jan 17, 1990 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 112-108 | |
| Jan 19, 1990 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 125-118 | |
| Jan 21, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 107-97 | |
| Jan 23, 1990 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 107-95 | |
| Jan 26, 1990 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 107-103 | |
| Jan 27, 1990 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 85-83 | |
| Jan 30, 1990 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 112-95 | |
| Jan 31, 1990 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 133-109 | |
| Feb 03, 1990 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 105-100 | |
| Feb 04, 1990 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 115-83 | |
| Feb 06, 1990 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 105-96 | |
| Feb 08, 1990 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-101 | |
| Feb 13, 1990 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 106-96 | |
| Feb 17, 1990 | @ Miami Heat | W 97-79 | |
| Feb 19, 1990 | vs. Miami Heat | W 94-85 | |
| Feb 21, 1990 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 140-109 | |
| Feb 23, 1990 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 112-103 | |
| Feb 25, 1990 | @ New York Knicks | W 98-87 | |
| Feb 27, 1990 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 106-102 | |
| Mar 01, 1990 | @ Washington Bullets | W 99-85 | |
| Mar 02, 1990 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 115-112 | |
| Mar 04, 1990 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 111-105 | |
| Mar 06, 1990 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 101-91 | |
| Mar 09, 1990 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 99-95 | |
| Mar 11, 1990 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 98-88 | |
| Mar 15, 1990 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 110-98 | |
| Mar 16, 1990 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 106-81 | |
| Mar 18, 1990 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 114-84 | |
| Mar 20, 1990 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 117-96 | |
| Mar 22, 1990 | @ Houston Rockets | L 115-110 | |
| Mar 24, 1990 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 105-98 | |
| Mar 25, 1990 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 98-96 | |
| Mar 28, 1990 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 106-97 | |
| Mar 30, 1990 | @ Boston Celtics | L 123-111 | |
| Apr 03, 1990 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 93-82 | |
| Apr 05, 1990 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 104-99 | |
| Apr 06, 1990 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 92-84 | |
| Apr 08, 1990 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 100-97 | |
| Apr 10, 1990 | @ New York Knicks | W 108-98 | |
| Apr 11, 1990 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 98-93 | |
| Apr 13, 1990 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 115-111 | |
| Apr 14, 1990 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 111-107 | |
| Apr 19, 1990 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 107-97 | |
| Apr 20, 1990 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 121-115 | |
| Apr 22, 1990 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 111-106 |