The 2003-04 Detroit Pistons had a landmark season, achieving their third NBA Championship. Under head coach Larry Brown, the Pistons finished the regular season with a 54-28 record. The team’s success was anchored by a dominant defense, led by Ben Wallace, who won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Midseason, the Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace, enhancing their formidable frontcourt.
In the playoffs, Detroit defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, and Indiana Pacers to reach the NBA Finals. There, they faced the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers. Utilizing tenacious defense and balanced scoring, the Pistons secured the championship in five games. Chauncey Billups was named the Finals MVP for his outstanding performance, averaging 21 points and 5.2 assists per game. This season is remembered for the Pistons’ cohesive team play and strategic execution, which overcame the star-studded opposition.
- Regular Season Record: 54-28
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 4-1
Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats for 2003-04 Season
Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
Richard Hamilton | 78 | 17.6 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 26.5 | 23 | 21.5 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 38.5 |
Chauncey Billups | 78 | 16.9 | 3.5 | 5.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 38.8 | 23 | 16.4 | 3.0 | 5.9 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 34.6 |
Rasheed Wallace | 22 | 13.7 | 7.0 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 31.9 | 23 | 13.0 | 7.8 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 2.0 | 24.3 |
Tayshaun Prince | 82 | 10.3 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 36.3 | 23 | 9.9 | 6.0 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 26.5 |
Mehmet Okur | 71 | 9.6 | 5.9 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 37.5 | 22 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 40.0 |
Ben Wallace | 81 | 9.5 | 12.4 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 3.0 | 12.4 | 23 | 10.3 | 14.3 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 0.0 |
Corliss Williamson | 79 | 9.5 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 22 | 5.7 | 2.2 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Mike James | 26 | 6.3 | 2.2 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 36.4 | 22 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 42.9 |
Chucky Atkins | 40 | 6.2 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 32.3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Elden Campbell | 65 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 14 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
Bob Sura | 53 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 25.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Lindsey Hunter | 33 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 28.0 | 23 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 23.3 |
Željko Rebrača | 21 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Darvin Ham | 54 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 50.0 | 22 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
Darko Miličić | 34 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 8 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Tremaine Fowlkes | 36 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 12.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Hubert Davis | 3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the first round of the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing their trademark defensive prowess. The Pistons, led by the formidable duo of Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace, dominated the series with their suffocating defense, winning 4-1. This series set the tone for their deep playoff run, ultimately culminating in an NBA Championship.
Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
---|---|---|---|
Apr 18, 2004 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 108-82 | |
Apr 21, 2004 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 92-88 | |
Apr 24, 2004 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 95-85 | |
Apr 26, 2004 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-92 | |
Apr 29, 2004 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 91-77 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. New Jersey Nets
In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons showcased their defensive prowess in the second round against the New Jersey Nets. After overcoming a 3-2 series deficit, the Pistons displayed resilience and grit, winning the series in a dramatic Game 7 marked by their trademark defensive intensity. This victory served as a pivotal moment in their eventual championship run, highlighting the team's depth and cohesion under the leadership of coach Larry Brown.
Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
---|---|---|---|
May 03, 2004 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 78-56 | |
May 07, 2004 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 95-80 | |
May 09, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 82-64 | |
May 11, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 94-79 | |
May 14, 2004 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 127-120 | |
May 16, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 81-75 | |
May 20, 2004 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 90-69 |
2004 Conference Championship vs. Indiana Pacers
In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons showcased their defensive prowess in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Indiana Pacers in a hard-fought six-game series. Anchored by their formidable defense led by Ben Wallace and the strategic acumen of coach Larry Brown, the Pistons stifled the Pacers' offensive efforts, ultimately setting the stage for their championship run. Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton provided crucial scoring, guiding Detroit to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1990.
Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
---|---|---|---|
May 22, 2004 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 78-74 | |
May 24, 2004 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 72-67 | |
May 26, 2004 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 85-78 | |
May 28, 2004 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 83-68 | |
May 30, 2004 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 83-65 | |
Jun 01, 2004 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 69-65 |
2004 NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 2004 NBA Finals, the Detroit Pistons delivered a stunning upset by defeating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Anchored by their tenacious defense and the leadership of Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, the Pistons showcased a balanced team effort, with significant contributions from Ben Wallace, Richard Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince. Their victory is often highlighted as a triumph of team dynamics and defensive prowess over star power.
Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
---|---|---|---|
Jun 06, 2004 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 87-75 | |
Jun 08, 2004 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 99-91 | |
Jun 10, 2004 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 88-68 | |
Jun 13, 2004 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 88-80 | |
Jun 15, 2004 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 100-87 |

Detroit Pistons 2003-04 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2003-04 season for the Detroit Pistons.
Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
---|---|---|---|
Oct 29, 2003 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 89-87 | |
Oct 31, 2003 | @ Miami Heat | W 93-81 | |
Nov 01, 2003 | @ Orlando Magic | W 96-85 | |
Nov 05, 2003 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 96-88 | |
Nov 07, 2003 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 105-99 | |
Nov 09, 2003 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 98-84 | |
Nov 11, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 97-91 | |
Nov 12, 2003 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 87-85 | |
Nov 14, 2003 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 94-89 | |
Nov 15, 2003 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 100-91 | |
Nov 18, 2003 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 106-96 | |
Nov 19, 2003 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 99-92 | |
Nov 21, 2003 | vs. New York Knicks | W 94-85 | |
Nov 23, 2003 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | L 81-80 | |
Nov 24, 2003 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 94-89 | |
Nov 26, 2003 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 90-86 | |
Nov 28, 2003 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 92-88 | |
Nov 29, 2003 | @ Washington Wizards | W 80-69 | |
Dec 01, 2003 | @ New York Knicks | W 79-78 | |
Dec 03, 2003 | vs. Miami Heat | W 87-73 | |
Dec 06, 2003 | @ Houston Rockets | L 86-80 | |
Dec 09, 2003 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 78-76 | |
Dec 11, 2003 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 95-86 | |
Dec 12, 2003 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 93-72 | |
Dec 17, 2003 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 77-73 | |
Dec 19, 2003 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 80-75 | |
Dec 21, 2003 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 96-75 | |
Dec 23, 2003 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 83-78 | |
Dec 26, 2003 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 82-79 | |
Dec 27, 2003 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 87-84 | |
Dec 29, 2003 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 108-99 | |
Dec 31, 2003 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 78-71 | |
Jan 02, 2004 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 93-81 | |
Jan 03, 2004 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 99-93 | |
Jan 05, 2004 | @ Boston Celtics | W 78-68 | |
Jan 07, 2004 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 85-66 | |
Jan 11, 2004 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 115-102 | |
Jan 13, 2004 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 105-89 | |
Jan 14, 2004 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 95-91 | |
Jan 16, 2004 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 98-77 | |
Jan 17, 2004 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 99-94 | |
Jan 19, 2004 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 85-77 | |
Jan 20, 2004 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 81-69 | |
Jan 23, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 80-79 | |
Jan 25, 2004 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 91-82 | |
Jan 28, 2004 | @ Boston Celtics | W 106-103 | |
Jan 30, 2004 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 90-89 | |
Jan 31, 2004 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 80-78 | |
Feb 02, 2004 | @ Miami Heat | W 102-100 | |
Feb 03, 2004 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 85-82 | |
Feb 06, 2004 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 92-81 | |
Feb 07, 2004 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 111-108 | |
Feb 10, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 89-78 | |
Feb 11, 2004 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 96-94 | |
Feb 17, 2004 | @ New York Knicks | L 92-88 | |
Feb 18, 2004 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 102-98 | |
Feb 20, 2004 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | L 88-87 | |
Feb 22, 2004 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 87-86 | |
Feb 23, 2004 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 76-66 | |
Feb 25, 2004 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 107-88 | |
Feb 27, 2004 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 105-83 | |
Feb 29, 2004 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 100-88 | |
Mar 01, 2004 | @ Utah Jazz | L 94-86 | |
Mar 04, 2004 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 83-68 | |
Mar 06, 2004 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 97-66 | |
Mar 07, 2004 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 86-65 | |
Mar 10, 2004 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 98-65 | |
Mar 14, 2004 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 85-69 | |
Mar 18, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 89-71 | |
Mar 19, 2004 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 94-75 | |
Mar 21, 2004 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 96-76 | |
Mar 23, 2004 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 82-81 | |
Mar 25, 2004 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 84-75 | |
Mar 27, 2004 | vs. New York Knicks | W 100-85 | |
Mar 31, 2004 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 108-99 | |
Apr 02, 2004 | vs. Miami Heat | W 92-84 | |
Apr 04, 2004 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 79-61 | |
Apr 06, 2004 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 102-86 | |
Apr 09, 2004 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 74-66 | |
Apr 10, 2004 | @ Orlando Magic | W 101-89 | |
Apr 12, 2004 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 101-79 | |
Apr 13, 2004 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 87-78 |