Published 19:40 IST, April 27th 2020

Bulls vs Pistons rivalry: From the Bulls heartbreak to the end of the 'Bad Boys' Pistons

Bulls vs Pistons rivalry: Michael Jordan's side won their first NBA title in 1991 and put an end to their three-game losing streak against Detroit Pistons.

Reported by: Sreehari Menon
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Michael Jordan's documentary Last Dance released last week and has been praised for its in-depth detail on NBA legend's last season with Chicago Bulls. Jordan joined Bulls in 1984 and won three-peat twice but did t reach a single NBA Finals until 1991 due to Detroit Bad Boys Pistons. Last Dance has thrown light on Bulls vs Pistons rivalry and Isiah Thomas Dream Team. 

Also Read: Chicago Bulls playoff history: When Jordan Forced Ex-Bulls Star To Return After 2 Days

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Bulls vs Pistons rivalry

Chicago Bulls competed for Eastern Conference since arrival of Michael Jordan, however, y were denied for three consecutive seasons by Isiah Thomas Dream Team.  Isiah Thomas Dream Team were often dubbed as Bad Boys Pistons for ir physical and aggressive play. Bad Boys Pistons physically bullied Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls during three straight post-season series from 1988 to 1990, en route to conquering back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.

However, 1991 season saw a change and Michael Jordan's side swept past Bad Boys Pistons, helping Chicago to ir first of six titles in 90s decade. 

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Also Read: Chicago Bulls playoff history: How Much Money Did Dennis Rodman Star Make Alongside Michael Jordan?

Bulls vs Pistons rivalry timeline

October 26, 1985 - Bill Laimbeer's strong foul, Michael Jordan's lefty free throw

In his second game of second NBA season, Michael Jordan was on end of a hard foul from Detroit Pistons centre Bill Laimbeer on a layup effort resulting in an altercation between coaches Stan Albeck and Chuck Daly, who were later dismissed from game. With Pistons having left court, Jordan scored with his final free-throw helping Bulls win 121-118. Jordan finished with 33 points on night. 

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March 4, 1987- Michael Jordan's career-high against Pistons

Michael Jordan dropped as many as 61 points in a 125-120 overtime win over Pistons, which to date remains his highest-scoring NBA game. After game, Jordan had said he felt close to unstoppable in a match where Isiah Thomas mand 31 points and 18 assists. 

January 16, 1988 - Charles Oakley defends Jordan, punches thrown on bench

Pistons centre Rick Mahorn committed a hard foul on Jordan in third quarter of match, resulting in a quarrel between Mahorn and Bulls forward Charles Oakley, which eventually leading to a bench-clearing brawl with plenty of punches thrown. Mahorn and Oakley were both ejected from game and were fined later. Jordan finished with a triple-double of 36 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115-99 Chicago Bulls win.

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May 10, 1988 -  Pistons' ' Jordan Rules' plan 

Bad Boys Pistons coach Chucky Daly devised a defensive game plan during ir first playoff meeting against Jordan who had a 59-point game against Pistons a month earlier. scheme included limiting Jordan's easy shots, varying defensive setups and extreme physical play. 

Also Read: Detroit Pistons NBA championships: Magic Johnson Opens Up On Moment He Shared With Michael Jordan After 1991 NBA Finals

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May 14, 1988 - Laimbeer and Jordan throw punches in decisive Game 3

In vital Game 3 of 1988 Eastern Conference semi-finals, Micheal Jordan tried fighting through a Laimbeer screen and duo exchanged shoves before Jordan looks to throw a couple of punches. Jordan received a technical foul, while Laimbeer was called for an offensive foul. Pistons won game 101-79, gaining a 2-1 series lead. 

May 18, 1988 - Pistons end Jordan's playoff run for first time

Detroit Pistons ended Bulls in Eastern Conference semifinals 4-1 on heels of Michael Jordan's first regular-season MVP award. After helping Bulls win Game 2 in Detroit with 36 points, Jordan averd under 25 in following three games with Pistons winning all three. However, Pistons eventually lost to Lakers in seven games in NBA finals. 

May 21-June 2, 1989 - Detroit Pistons beat Chicago Bulls in ir title-winning season

Bulls vs Pistons rivalry really soared in one of most physical matchups in NBA history. Pistons defeated Bulls 4-2, despite Jordan averaging 29.7 points per game. Pistons clinched a 103-94 win in Game 6 and proceeded to win ir first NBA championship. 

May 20-June 3, 1990 - Pistons claim third successive post-season win over Bulls 

Pistons again romped to victory with ' Jordan Rules' in full effect. Bad Boys Pistons portrayed ir extremely physical traits and defeated Bulls in seven games in Eastern Conference finals. Despite Jordan being heavily marked, Bulls star finished series with an aver of 32.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists on 47 per cent shooting

May 27, 1991 - Chicago Bulls finally end losing streak

Bulls finally ended ir run of three successive postseason defeats to Isiah Thomas Dream Team and proceeded to clinch ir first NBA title. Bulls outplayed Bad Boys Pistons and won each game by at least eight points. Thomas and Laimbeer drew criticism for t shaking hands and left court with 7.9 seconds left in clinging Game 4.

NBA title was Chicago Bulls' first in a successful 90s decade also marked end of Isiah Thomas Dream Team. Bulls vs Pistons rivalry took a furr hit with Pistons t qualifying until 95/96. Later, Denis Rodman joined Chicago Bulls after a spell at San Antonio Spurs and was instrumental in Bulls' second three-peat. 

Also Read: Bulls vs Pistons rivalry: How Many People Watched Last Dance? Documentary's Viewership Numbers Hit Roof

19:40 IST, April 27th 2020