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The '''2004 NBA Finals''' was the championship round of the ]. The ] of the ] battled the ] of the ] for the NBA title, with the Lakers holding ]. The series was played under a ], so the first team to collect four game victories would win the series. The '''2004 NBA Finals''' was the championship round of the ]. The ] of the ] battled the ] of the ] for the NBA title, with the Lakers holding ]. The series was played under a ], so the first team to collect four game victories would win the series.


Despite the Lakers being the heavy favorite, the Pistons won the series 4 games to 1 to win their first title since ]. Piston ] ] was named the ] of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/game5_notebook.html|title=Game 5 Notebook: Billups Wins MVP|date=June 16 2004|accessdate=2007-09-03|format=HTML|language=English|work=NBA}}</ref> In winning, the Pistons won their fifth championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/teams/history/DET|title=Detroit Pistons|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=] Sports}}</ref> Despite the Lakers being the heavy favorite, the Pistons won the series 4 games to 1 to win their first title since ]. Piston ] ] was named the ] of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/game5_notebook.html|title=Game 5 Notebook: Billups Wins MVP|date=June 16 2004|accessdate=2007-09-03|format=HTML|language=English|work=NBA}}</ref> In winning, the Pistons won their fifth championship.<ref name="CBS Pistons">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/teams/history/DET|title=Detroit Pistons|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=] Sports}}</ref>


==Background== ==Background==
===Los Angeles Lakers=== ===Los Angeles Lakers===
The Lakers had won three consecutive championships from ] to ], but lost to the ] in the Western Conference playoffs in 2003 to end their streak at three.{{cite}} However, led by superstars ] ] and ] ], the Lakers were still perennial title contenders.{{cn}} The Lakers had won three consecutive championships from ] to ], but lost to the ] in the Western Conference playoffs in 2003 to end their streak at three.<ref name="CBS Lakers">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/teams/history/LAL|title=Los Angeles Lakers|work=] Sports|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref>


In the 2003 ], the Lakers made major changes, with initially varying results. The Lakers, hoping to find a point guard and a ] to defend against ] and the Spurs, signed veteran stars ] and ] for well below market value, hoping to give both veterans their first championship rings. The Lakers were afterwards considered the favorites to finish with the best regular-season record as well as the NBA title.{{cn}} Proclaimed by the media as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, some even thought that they could break the ]' record 72&ndash;10 regular season record from the ].{{cn}} In the 2003 ], the Lakers made major changes, with initially varying results. The Lakers, hoping to find a point guard and a ] to defend against ] and the Spurs, signed veteran stars ] and ] for well below market value, hoping to give both veterans their first championship rings. The Lakers were afterwards considered the favorites to win NBA title.<ref name="Game 5">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040615/LALDET/recap.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>


During the regular season, after starting the season 18&ndash;3, the Lakers were afflicted by numerous injuries and stumbled to a 56&ndash;26 record to finish the season with the second seed in the Western Conference.{{cn}} During the regular season, after starting the season 18&ndash;3, the Lakers were afflicted by numerous injuries and stumbled to a 56&ndash;26 record to finish the season with the second seed in the Western Conference.<ref name="CBS Lakers" />


The Lakers breezed past their first round opponent, the ], 4&ndash;1, but then lost the first two games in their series against the Spurs before a dramatic comeback that saw them win 4&ndash;2.{{cn}} Then, they faced the ] and their superstar forward ]. In a large part due to Malone's excellent defense on Garnett, the Lakers won the series 4&ndash;2 to advance to the Finals.{{cn}} The Lakers breezed past their first round opponent, the ], 4&ndash;1, but then lost the first two games in their series against the Spurs before a dramatic comeback that saw them win 4&ndash;2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_lalsas.html|work=NBA|title=Lakers Dethrone Defending Champions|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> Then, they faced the ] and their superstar forward ]. The Lakers also managed to handily win the the series 4&ndash;2 to advance to the Finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/series_minlal.html|format=HTML|language=English|work=NBA|title=What a Rush!|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref>


===Detroit Pistons=== ===Detroit Pistons===
The Pistons won two back-to-back championships in ] and ], but with retirements and departures of several stars, they faded from playoff prominence.{{cn}} The team hired former star ] as general manager of the team in 2000, and he began stockpiling draft picks and trading players. He landed defensive stalwart ] and guard ] by trading established stars in controversial trades, signed Chauncey Billups (considered an underachiever), and drafted ] with the 23rd pick in the ]. He was named the ] in 2003 for returning the Pistons to prominence.{{cn}} The Pistons won two back-to-back championships in ] and ], but with retirements and departures of several stars, they faded from playoff prominence.<ref name="CBS Pistons" /> The team hired former star ] as general manager of the team in 2000, and he began stockpiling draft picks and trading players. He landed defensive stalwart ] and guard ] by trading established stars in controversial trades, signed Chauncey Billups (considered an underachiever), and drafted ] with the 23rd pick in the ]. He was named the ] in 2003 for returning the Pistons to prominence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nndb.com/honors/942/000109615/|format=HTML|language=English|work=NNBD|title=NBA Executive of the Year|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref>


The Pistons made a major change as well, but perhaps a riskier change, firing ] ], who had led the Pistons to two consecutive Central Division titles and had received the ] in ]. In his place, Dumars hired legendary coach ], who had most recently led the ] to the ] in ]. However, it was considered a gamble at the time, as Brown had failed to lead the Sixers deep into the playoffs afterwards, while Carlisle had led the Pistons to the Eastern Conference Finals just the year before.{{cn}} The Pistons made a major change as well, but perhaps a riskier change, firing ] ], who had led the Pistons to two consecutive Central Division titles and had received the ] in ]. In his place, Dumars hired legendary coach ], who had most recently led the ] to the ] in ].


The Pistons, while having a respectable record throughout the season, were not considered the favorites for the Eastern Conference crown.{{cn}} That distinction belonged to the Carlisle-coached ]. However, in a three team trade at the trade deadline, Dumars traded ], ], ], ] and other considerations for guard ] and forward ], who proved to be the final pieces of the championship team (Hunter would rejoin the Pistons a week later).{{cn}} The Pistons, who were already a good defensive team, became a defensive force to be reckoned with. They became the first team in NBA history to hold five consecutive opponents under 70 points, and finished the season with a 54&ndash;28 record and the third seed in the Eastern Conference.{{cn}} In a three team trade at the trade deadline, Dumars traded ], ], ], ] and other considerations for guard ] and forward ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/news/trade_040219.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons Have Horsepower|language=English|format=HTML|date=2004-02-19|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> who proved to be the final pieces of the championship team (Hunter would rejoin the Pistons a week later).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoopshype.com/players/lindsey_hunter.htm|format=HTML|language=English|title=10 Lindsey Hunter Detroit Pistons|work=HoopsHype|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> The Pistons, who were already a good defensive team, became a defensive force to be reckoned with. They became the first team in NBA history to hold five consecutive opponents under 70 points, and finished the season with a 54&ndash;28 record and the third seed in the Eastern Conference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/pistons/history/champions_200304.html|format=HTML|language=English|title=Bridging the Gap|author=Dave Howell|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref>


The Pistons easily overcame the ] 4&ndash;1, but struggled against the ] and narrowly escaped 4&ndash;3.{{cn}} In a defensive series with Indiana, the Pistons offense proved more productive and they won 4&ndash;2 to advance to the NBA Finals.{{cn}} The Pistons easily overcame the ] 4&ndash;1, but struggled against the ] and narrowly escaped 4&ndash;3. In a defensive series with Indiana, the Pistons offense proved more productive and they won 4&ndash;2 to advance to the NBA Finals.<ref name="Motown">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/|format=HTML|language=English|title=Motown Back at No.1!|work=NBA|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>


==Lakers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/stats/2003/index.html|title=2003–2004 Lakers Regular Statistics|accessdate=2007-09-03|format=HTML|language=English|work=NBA}}</ref> and Pistons<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/pistons_040617.html|title=All the Right Moves|last=Peterson|first=Rob|date=June 17 2004|accessdate=2007-09-03|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> Roster== ==Lakers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/stats/2003/index.html|title=2003–2004 Lakers Regular Statistics|accessdate=2007-09-03|format=HTML|language=English|work=NBA}}</ref> and Pistons<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/pistons_040617.html|title=All the Right Moves|last=Peterson|first=Rob|date=June 17 2004|accessdate=2007-09-03|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> Roster==
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|} |}


==Series Summary<ref name="Motown" />==
==Series Summary<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2004/|format=HTML|language=English|title=Motown Back at No.1!|work=NBA|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>==
{| align="center" border="1" cellspacing="0" width="425" {| align="center" border="1" cellspacing="0" width="425"
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#CCCCFF;" |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#CCCCFF;"
Line 161: Line 160:
*Game 3 - ], Thursday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit '''Detroit 88''', Los Angeles 68]: ''Detroit leads series 2–1''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040610/LALDET/recap.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons Power Past Lakers For 2-1 Lead|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> *Game 3 - ], Thursday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit '''Detroit 88''', Los Angeles 68]: ''Detroit leads series 2–1''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040610/LALDET/recap.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons Power Past Lakers For 2-1 Lead|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>
*Game 4 - ], Sunday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit '''Detroit 88''', Los Angeles 80]: ''Detroit leads series 3–1''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040613/LALDET/recap.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons One Win From Claiming NBA Championship|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> *Game 4 - ], Sunday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit '''Detroit 88''', Los Angeles 80]: ''Detroit leads series 3–1''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040613/LALDET/recap.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons One Win From Claiming NBA Championship|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>
*Game 5 - ], Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit '''Detroit 100''', Los Angeles 87]: ''Detroit wins series 4–1''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040615/LALDET/recap.html|work=NBA|title=Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> *Game 5 - ], Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit '''Detroit 100''', Los Angeles 87]: ''Detroit wins series 4–1''<ref name="Game 5" />


The Finals were played using a 2-3-2 site format, where the first two and last two games are held at the team with ]. This is only used in the Finals, all other playoff games are held in a 2-2-1-1-1 format (the team with home court advantage starts).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.betinf.com/nba_playoffs.htm|work=betinf.com|title=Basketball: NBA Playoffs 2007 preview|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> The Finals were played using a 2-3-2 site format, where the first two and last two games are held at the team with ]. This is only used in the Finals, all other playoff games are held in a 2-2-1-1-1 format (the team with home court advantage starts).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.betinf.com/nba_playoffs.htm|work=betinf.com|title=Basketball: NBA Playoffs 2007 preview|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>


===Features=== ===Features===
The NBA heavily publicized the series as it has done with all other NBA Finals series. There was a sentiment among fans that the Pistons were the clear underdogs, and many described the series as a David vs. Goliath matchup.{{cn}} The Lakers had a lineup of Stars such as ], ], ], ], and ] - their offensive capability was expected to overpower Detroit's defensive-based gameplan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/2089-la-lakers-most-loved-and-most-hated-team|title=LA Lakers - Most Loved and Most Hated Team|work=Kidzworld.com|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref> The NBA heavily publicized the series as it has done with all other NBA Finals series. There was a sentiment among fans that the Pistons were the clear underdogs, and many described the series as a David vs. Goliath matchup.<ref name="Game 5" /> The Lakers had a lineup of Stars such as ], ], ], ], and ] - their offensive capability was expected to overpower Detroit's defensive-based gameplan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/2089-la-lakers-most-loved-and-most-hated-team|title=LA Lakers - Most Loved and Most Hated Team|work=Kidzworld.com|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref>


Payton and Malone Also added to the publicity of the Finals. Perennial ] who had both previously reached the Finals, Payton had led the ] there in ], while Malone had led the ] there in ] and ].{{cn}} However, ] and the Bulls denied them championship rings a total of three times. By the time of his retirement in 2003, the two veterans were aged and failed to lead their respective teams deep into the playoffs.{{cn}} Thus, this Finals series was seen as the last chance for two of the greatest players in NBA history to finally become NBA champions (Later on, Malone retired while Payton became a champion as a key bench player for the ]). Payton and Malone Also added to the publicity of the Finals. Perennial ] who had both previously reached the Finals, Payton had led the ] there in ], while Malone had led the ] there in ] and ].<ref name="CBS Jazz">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/teams/history/UTA|work=] Sports|title=Utah Jazz|format=HTML|language=English|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> However, ] and the Bulls denied them championship rings a total of three times. By the time of Jordan's retirement in 2003, the two veterans were aged and failed to lead their teams deep into the playoffs.<ref name="CBS Jazz" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/teams/history/SEA|format=HTML|language=English|work=] Sports]]|title=Seattle Supersonics|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> Thus, this Finals series was seen as the last chance for two of the greatest players in NBA history to finally become NBA champions (Later on, Malone retired while Payton became a champion as a key bench player for the ]).


===Game One=== ===Game One===
''Sunday, June 6, 2004, 14:30 at the ].'' ''Sunday, June 6, 2004, 14:30 at the ].''


Considered to be a stunning upset by most of the NBA world, the Detroit Pistons managed to defeat the Lakers with imposing defense.{{cn}} Defensively clamping down on everyone but Bryant and O'Neal, the Pistons managed to hold everyone else to a total of 16 points. Considered to be a stunning upset by most of the NBA world, the Detroit Pistons managed to defeat the Lakers with imposing defense.<ref>{{cite web|work=NBA|format=HTML|language=English|title=Billups, Pistons Swipe Home-Court Advantage|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040606/DETLAL/recap.html|quote=Led by their trademark daunting defense|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> Defensively clamping down on everyone but Bryant and O'Neal, the Pistons managed to hold everyone else to a total of 16 points.


The Pistons trailed the Lakers 41&ndash;40 at halftime, but a 10-4 surge capped by Billups's 3-pointer gave the Pistons the lead. O'Neal's foul trouble furthered the scoring gap, with the Pistons leading by 13 points early in the 4th quarter. The Pistons trailed the Lakers 41&ndash;40 at halftime, but a 10-4 surge capped by Billups's 3-pointer gave the Pistons the lead. O'Neal's foul trouble furthered the scoring gap, with the Pistons leading by 13 points early in the 4th quarter.

Revision as of 21:14, 4 September 2007

The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2003–04 National Basketball Association season. The Los Angeles Lakers of the Western Conference battled the Detroit Pistons of the Eastern Conference for the NBA title, with the Lakers holding home court advantage. The series was played under a best-of-seven format, so the first team to collect four game victories would win the series.

Despite the Lakers being the heavy favorite, the Pistons won the series 4 games to 1 to win their first title since 1990. Piston point guard Chauncey Billups was named the Most Valuable Player of the series. In winning, the Pistons won their fifth championship.

Background

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers had won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, but lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference playoffs in 2003 to end their streak at three.

In the 2003 offseason, the Lakers made major changes, with initially varying results. The Lakers, hoping to find a point guard and a power forward to defend against Tim Duncan and the Spurs, signed veteran stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone for well below market value, hoping to give both veterans their first championship rings. The Lakers were afterwards considered the favorites to win NBA title.

During the regular season, after starting the season 18–3, the Lakers were afflicted by numerous injuries and stumbled to a 56–26 record to finish the season with the second seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers breezed past their first round opponent, the Houston Rockets, 4–1, but then lost the first two games in their series against the Spurs before a dramatic comeback that saw them win 4–2. Then, they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves and their superstar forward Kevin Garnett. The Lakers also managed to handily win the the series 4–2 to advance to the Finals.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons won two back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, but with retirements and departures of several stars, they faded from playoff prominence. The team hired former star Joe Dumars as general manager of the team in 2000, and he began stockpiling draft picks and trading players. He landed defensive stalwart Ben Wallace and guard Richard Hamilton by trading established stars in controversial trades, signed Chauncey Billups (considered an underachiever), and drafted Tayshaun Prince with the 23rd pick in the 2002 Draft. He was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2003 for returning the Pistons to prominence.

The Pistons made a major change as well, but perhaps a riskier change, firing head coach Rick Carlisle, who had led the Pistons to two consecutive Central Division titles and had received the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2002. In his place, Dumars hired legendary coach Larry Brown, who had most recently led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001.

In a three team trade at the trade deadline, Dumars traded Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter, Bobby Sura, Željko Rebrača and other considerations for guard Mike James and forward Rasheed Wallace, who proved to be the final pieces of the championship team (Hunter would rejoin the Pistons a week later). The Pistons, who were already a good defensive team, became a defensive force to be reckoned with. They became the first team in NBA history to hold five consecutive opponents under 70 points, and finished the season with a 54–28 record and the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons easily overcame the Milwaukee Bucks 4–1, but struggled against the New Jersey Nets and narrowly escaped 4–3. In a defensive series with Indiana, the Pistons offense proved more productive and they won 4–2 to advance to the NBA Finals.

Lakers and Pistons Roster

Lakers
Head Coach Phil Jackson
Point Guard Gary Payton
Shooting Guard Kobe Bryant
Small Forward Rick Fox
Power Forward Karl Malone
Center Shaquille O'Neal
Reserve Joe Donner
Derek Fisher
Stanislav Medvedenko
Devean George
Kareem Rush
Horace Grant
Brian Cook
Bryon Russell
Maurice Carter
Luke Walton
Jannero Pargo
Ime Udoka
James Ailbone
Pistons
Head Coach Larry Brown
Point Guard Chauncey Billups
Shooting Guard Richard Hamilton
Small Forward Tayshaun Prince
Power Forward Rasheed Wallace
Center Ben Wallace
Reserve Mehmet Okur
Corliss Williamson
Mike James
Elden Campbell
Lindsey Hunter
Darvin Ham
Darko Milicic
Tremaine Fowlkes
Hubert Davis

Series Summary

Team/Game 1 2 (OT) 3 4 5 Wins
Los Angeles (West) 75 99 68 80 87 1
Detroit (East) 87 91 88 88 100 4
  • (OT) denotes a game that required overtime.

Schedule

All dates appear at local time. The starting times are scheduled starting times (not the actual tip-off). Games were held three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • Game 1 - June 6, Sunday, 6:00 p.m. PDT, at Los Angeles Detroit 87, Los Angeles 75: Detroit leads series 1–0
  • Game 2 - June 8, Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. PDT, at Los Angeles Los Angeles 99, Detroit 91 (OT)]: Series tied 1–1
  • Game 3 - June 10, Thursday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit Detroit 88, Los Angeles 68]: Detroit leads series 2–1
  • Game 4 - June 13, Sunday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit Detroit 88, Los Angeles 80]: Detroit leads series 3–1
  • Game 5 - June 15, Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. EDT, at Detroit Detroit 100, Los Angeles 87]: Detroit wins series 4–1

The Finals were played using a 2-3-2 site format, where the first two and last two games are held at the team with home court advantage. This is only used in the Finals, all other playoff games are held in a 2-2-1-1-1 format (the team with home court advantage starts).

Features

The NBA heavily publicized the series as it has done with all other NBA Finals series. There was a sentiment among fans that the Pistons were the clear underdogs, and many described the series as a David vs. Goliath matchup. The Lakers had a lineup of Stars such as Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal - their offensive capability was expected to overpower Detroit's defensive-based gameplan.

Payton and Malone Also added to the publicity of the Finals. Perennial All-Stars who had both previously reached the Finals, Payton had led the Seattle SuperSonics there in 1996, while Malone had led the Utah Jazz there in 1997 and 1998. However, Michael Jordan and the Bulls denied them championship rings a total of three times. By the time of Jordan's retirement in 2003, the two veterans were aged and failed to lead their teams deep into the playoffs. Thus, this Finals series was seen as the last chance for two of the greatest players in NBA history to finally become NBA champions (Later on, Malone retired while Payton became a champion as a key bench player for the Miami Heat).

Game One

Sunday, June 6, 2004, 14:30 at the Staples Center.

Considered to be a stunning upset by most of the NBA world, the Detroit Pistons managed to defeat the Lakers with imposing defense. Defensively clamping down on everyone but Bryant and O'Neal, the Pistons managed to hold everyone else to a total of 16 points.

The Pistons trailed the Lakers 41–40 at halftime, but a 10-4 surge capped by Billups's 3-pointer gave the Pistons the lead. O'Neal's foul trouble furthered the scoring gap, with the Pistons leading by 13 points early in the 4th quarter.

Team 1st Qt. 2nd Qt. 3rd Qt. 4th Qt. Total
Detroit 22 18 24 23 87
Los Angeles 19 22 17 17 75

Game Two

Tuesday, June 8, 2004, 15:04 at the Staples Center.

The second game was close throughout the first half, but in the third quarter Detroit would score 30 points, cutting the deficit 68-66. However, at the end of the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant's 3-point shot at 2.1 seconds to go would tie the game at 89-89. The Lakers and Pistons would then go to overtime, with the Lakers outscoring the Pistons 10-2.

Team 1st Qt. 2nd Qt. 3rd Qt. 4th Qt. OT Total
Detroit 16 20 30 23 2 91
Los Angeles 18 26 24 21 10 99

Game Three

Thursday, June 10, 2004, 14:31 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Pistons beat Los Angeles by 20 in their first NBA Finals appearance together at The Palace of Auburn Hills since 1989 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The 68 points scored by the Lakers set a franchise record for fewest number points scored in a playoff game.

Team 1st Qt. 2nd Qt. 3rd Qt. 4th Qt. Total
Los Angeles 16 16 19 17 68
Detroit 24 15 24 25 88

Game Four

Sunday, June 13, 2004, 14:49 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Again, the Pistons defeated the Lakers, although this time by eight, to take a 3-1 series advantage.

Team 1st Qt. 2nd Qt. 3rd Qt. 4th Qt. Total
Los Angeles 22 17 17 24 80
Detroit 21 20 15 32 88

Game Five

Tuesday, June 15, 2004, 14:32 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

In Game 5, the Pistons won their first championship since 1990, and Larry Brown finally won his long-deserved title. The Pistons defense had overcome the high-scoring Laker offense, winning the game by 13, winning the series 4-1, and also ending a long Laker dynasty that lasted for many years. The game saw the end of Phil Jackson's first run as the coach (he returned for the 05-06 season), and saw O'Neal, Payton, and Malone's last games in Laker uniforms (O'Neal and Payton were both acquired by the soon-to-be NBA Champions Miami Heat and Malone retired).

Team 1st Qt. 2nd Qt. 3rd Qt. 4th Qt. Total
Los Angeles 24 21 14 28 87
Detroit 25 30 27 18 100

Broadcast notes

The games were broadcast on ABC by Al Michaels and Doc Rivers.

To promote the series, the NBA used the Black Eyed Peas' song "Let's Get It Started", which it had also used throughout the 2004 NBA Playoffs.

Officials

Ref Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5
Dick Bavetta
Mike Callahan
Dan Crawford
Joe Crawford
Bob Delaney
Joe DeRosa
Bernie Fryer
Ron Garretson
Steve Javie
Jack Nies
Eddie F. Rush
Bennett Salvatore

See also

Notes

  1. "Game 5 Notebook: Billups Wins MVP" (HTML). NBA. June 16 2004. Retrieved 2007-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ "Detroit Pistons" (HTML). CBS Sports. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  3. ^ "Los Angeles Lakers" (HTML). CBS Sports. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  4. ^ "Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  5. "Lakers Dethrone Defending Champions" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  6. "What a Rush!" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  7. "NBA Executive of the Year" (HTML). NNBD. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  8. "Pistons Have Horsepower" (HTML). NBA. 2004-02-19. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  9. "10 Lindsey Hunter Detroit Pistons" (HTML). HoopsHype. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  10. Dave Howell. "Bridging the Gap" (HTML). Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  11. ^ "Motown Back at No.1!" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  12. "2003–2004 Lakers Regular Statistics" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  13. Peterson, Rob (June 17 2004). "All the Right Moves" (HTML). Retrieved 2007-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. "Billups, Pistons Swipe Home-Court Advantage" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  15. "Kobe Amazes Again,Lakers Knot Series" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  16. "Pistons Power Past Lakers For 2-1 Lead" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  17. "Pistons One Win From Claiming NBA Championship" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  18. "Basketball: NBA Playoffs 2007 preview" (HTML). betinf.com. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  19. "LA Lakers - Most Loved and Most Hated Team" (HTML). Kidzworld.com. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  20. ^ "Utah Jazz" (HTML). CBS Sports. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  21. "Seattle Supersonics" (HTML). CBS Sports]]. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  22. "Billups, Pistons Swipe Home-Court Advantage" (HTML). NBA. Retrieved 2007-09-04. Led by their trademark daunting defense
  23. "DETROIT PISTONS HISTORY" (HTML). Basketball Tickets. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
  24. Zeff Zillgitt (2004-05-21). "Speaking of Sports" (HTML). USA Today. Retrieved 2007-09-03.

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