The 2005-06 Detroit Pistons season was marked by their dominance in the Eastern Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Flip Saunders, the Pistons finished with a league-best 64-18 record. Their success was largely driven by the strong performances of their starting lineup, often referred to as the “best starting five in basketball,” featuring Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace.
The Pistons entered the playoffs as the top seed in the East and advanced to the Conference Finals after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the first two rounds. However, their quest for a second NBA title in three years was halted by the Miami Heat, who defeated them in six games. Despite falling short of the NBA Finals, the Pistons’ 2005-06 season reinforced their status as one of the elite teams in the league during that era.
- Regular Season Record: 64-18
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 2-4
Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats for 2005-06 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Richard Hamilton | 80 | 20.1 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 45.8 | 18 | 20.4 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 35.0 |
| Chauncey Billups | 81 | 18.5 | 3.1 | 8.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 43.3 | 18 | 17.9 | 3.4 | 6.5 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 34.0 |
| Rasheed Wallace | 80 | 15.1 | 6.8 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 35.7 | 18 | 14.1 | 6.3 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 40.5 |
| Tayshaun Prince | 82 | 14.1 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 35.0 | 18 | 16.4 | 5.7 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 45.7 |
| Tony Delk | 23 | 7.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 42.6 | 16 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 20.0 |
| Antonio McDyess | 82 | 7.8 | 5.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 18 | 7.6 | 6.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Ben Wallace | 82 | 7.3 | 11.3 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 0.0 | 18 | 4.7 | 10.5 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Amir Johnson | 3 | 6.7 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 66.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Maurice Evans | 80 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 37.1 | 16 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 63.6 |
| Carlos Delfino | 68 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 33.3 | 8 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Carlos Arroyo | 50 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 3.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 33.3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Lindsey Hunter | 30 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 25.6 | 18 | 4.2 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 31.8 |
| Kelvin Cato | 4 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 4 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jason Maxiell | 26 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Alex Acker | 5 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 20.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Darko Miličić | 25 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dale Davis | 28 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 8 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Detroit Pistons in the 2006 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, showcasing their dominance as the Eastern Conference's top seed. The Pistons, led by their formidable core including Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace, dispatched the Bucks in five games, demonstrating their defensive prowess and depth. This victory set the tone for their deep playoff run, highlighting their status as a championship contender.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2006 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 92-74 | |
| Apr 26, 2006 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-98 | |
| Apr 29, 2006 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 124-104 | |
| May 01, 2006 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-99 | |
| May 03, 2006 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 122-93 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Pistons, led by their stalwart defensive core and the leadership of Chauncey Billups, managed to outlast LeBron James and the emerging Cavaliers, showcasing their depth and experience. This victory highlighted the resilience and tenacity that characterized the Pistons during that era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 113-86 | |
| May 09, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 97-91 | |
| May 13, 2006 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 86-77 | |
| May 15, 2006 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 74-72 | |
| May 17, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 86-84 | |
| May 19, 2006 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 84-82 | |
| May 21, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 79-61 |
2006 Conference Championship vs. Miami Heat
In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their fourth consecutive appearance at this stage. They faced the Miami Heat in a hard-fought series but ultimately fell short, losing in six games. Despite their formidable defensive prowess, the Pistons were unable to contain the Heat's dynamic duo of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, who propelled Miami to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | L 91-86 | |
| May 25, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | W 92-88 | |
| May 27, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 98-83 | |
| May 29, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 89-78 | |
| May 31, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | W 91-78 | |
| Jun 02, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 95-78 |
Detroit Pistons 2005-06 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2005-06 season for the Detroit Pistons.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 02, 2005 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 108-88 | |
| Nov 04, 2005 | @ Boston Celtics | W 82-81 | |
| Nov 05, 2005 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 117-84 | |
| Nov 08, 2005 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 102-88 | |
| Nov 10, 2005 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 111-104 | |
| Nov 11, 2005 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 84-81 | |
| Nov 15, 2005 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 115-100 | |
| Nov 18, 2005 | @ Houston Rockets | W 78-70 | |
| Nov 19, 2005 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 119-82 | |
| Nov 23, 2005 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 114-89 | |
| Nov 25, 2005 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 120-114 | |
| Nov 26, 2005 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 85-76 | |
| Nov 30, 2005 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 93-83 | |
| Dec 02, 2005 | vs. New York Knicks | W 106-98 | |
| Dec 03, 2005 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 92-79 | |
| Dec 09, 2005 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 106-103 | |
| Dec 11, 2005 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 109-101 | |
| Dec 12, 2005 | @ Utah Jazz | L 92-78 | |
| Dec 14, 2005 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 109-98 | |
| Dec 16, 2005 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 110-82 | |
| Dec 17, 2005 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 103-78 | |
| Dec 19, 2005 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 106-104 | |
| Dec 20, 2005 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 93-89 | |
| Dec 23, 2005 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 97-85 | |
| Dec 25, 2005 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 85-70 | |
| Dec 27, 2005 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 113-106 | |
| Dec 29, 2005 | vs. Miami Heat | W 106-101 | |
| Dec 31, 2005 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 97-84 | |
| Jan 03, 2006 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 108-99 | |
| Jan 06, 2006 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 97-85 | |
| Jan 07, 2006 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 94-90 | |
| Jan 10, 2006 | @ New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | W 96-86 | |
| Jan 12, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 83-68 | |
| Jan 14, 2006 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 114-91 | |
| Jan 16, 2006 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 94-84 | |
| Jan 18, 2006 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 117-89 | |
| Jan 19, 2006 | @ New York Knicks | W 105-79 | |
| Jan 22, 2006 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 99-97 | |
| Jan 24, 2006 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 107-83 | |
| Jan 25, 2006 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 106-102 | |
| Jan 27, 2006 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 95-89 | |
| Jan 29, 2006 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 102-93 | |
| Jan 31, 2006 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 91-84 | |
| Feb 01, 2006 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 90-74 | |
| Feb 03, 2006 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 87-80 | |
| Feb 04, 2006 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 93-85 | |
| Feb 07, 2006 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 99-98 | |
| Feb 08, 2006 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 97-87 | |
| Feb 10, 2006 | @ Orlando Magic | W 84-73 | |
| Feb 12, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 100-98 | |
| Feb 14, 2006 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 85-71 | |
| Feb 21, 2006 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 97-87 | |
| Feb 23, 2006 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 88-83 | |
| Feb 24, 2006 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 95-87 | |
| Feb 26, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 90-78 | |
| Feb 27, 2006 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 84-72 | |
| Mar 01, 2006 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 98-87 | |
| Mar 03, 2006 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 98-96 | |
| Mar 04, 2006 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 105-94 | |
| Mar 08, 2006 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 106-101 | |
| Mar 11, 2006 | @ Washington Wizards | L 110-92 | |
| Mar 12, 2006 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 94-78 | |
| Mar 15, 2006 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 105-98 | |
| Mar 17, 2006 | @ New York Knicks | L 105-103 | |
| Mar 18, 2006 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 108-103 | |
| Mar 20, 2006 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 91-84 | |
| Mar 22, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | W 82-73 | |
| Mar 24, 2006 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 75-72 | |
| Mar 26, 2006 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 79-74 | |
| Mar 28, 2006 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 97-90 | |
| Mar 29, 2006 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 101-91 | |
| Mar 31, 2006 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-105 | |
| Apr 02, 2006 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 109-102 | |
| Apr 04, 2006 | vs. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | W 101-93 | |
| Apr 06, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | W 95-82 | |
| Apr 07, 2006 | @ Orlando Magic | L 89-87 | |
| Apr 09, 2006 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 98-73 | |
| Apr 12, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 96-73 | |
| Apr 14, 2006 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 108-103 | |
| Apr 16, 2006 | vs. New York Knicks | W 103-97 | |
| Apr 17, 2006 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 113-93 | |
| Apr 19, 2006 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 96-80 |