Detroit Pistons Rivalry
A fierce Midwest rivalry defined by the Bad Boys, Jordan Rules, and a 2000s revival.
The Bulls–Pistons rivalry is an NBA rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. The rivalry intensified in the late 1980s and became one of the most intense in NBA history for several years, when Michael Jordan evolved into one of the league's best players and the Pistons became a playoff contender. They represent the two largest metro areas in the Midwest and are only separated by a 280-mile (450 km) stretch of road, mostly covered by I-94, which is a factor in the two cities’ rivalries with each other in other sports besides basketball.
Quick Facts
- Era of peak conflict
- 1987–1991
- Defining pistons strategy
- The 'Jordan Rules'
- Key bulls turning point
- 1991 Eastern Conference Finals
- Primary rivalry characteristic
- Physical, defensive dominance
Lore & Background
The rivalry saw its first playoff meeting in the 1974 Western Conference Semifinals, which the Bulls won in seven games, but it truly ignited in the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals after the Pistons and Bulls beat the Bullets and Cavs in the first round 3–2. The aggressive Bad Boys, as Detroit became known, were the rising power in the Eastern Conference. Michael Jordan, on the other hand, was league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and the ultimate challenge for the Pistons' top-notch defense.
In a nationally televised game in Detroit on Easter Sunday, Jordan scored 59 points in a 112–110 Bulls victory. Previously, in 1987, he had scored 61 points in a 125–120 OT victory at home in Chicago. This angered Chuck Daly, who vowed never to allow Jordan to light them up again. Despite Jordan's individual skills, the Bulls lacked the talent and mental toughness to beat Detroit, who defeated Chicago in 5 games.
The Pistons went on to beat Boston in 6 but lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals. In 1989, the Pistons were stronger and posted a season-best record of 63–19. They reached the Conference Finals by sweeping the Celtics in the first round and the Bucks in the semifinals, then faced the Bulls in the conference finals. The 6th-seeded Bulls (47–35) had surprising success in the playoffs by upsetting the Cavs 3–2 with The Shot and Knicks 4–2.
The Bulls met Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals. Bulls success continued as they took a 2–1 series lead. But the Pistons clamped down and employed the 'Jordan Rules'—a real defensive strategy devised by coach Chuck Daly—which worked so well for them the year prior. The Pistons won 3 straight games and went on to win their first NBA title.
While both teams intensely disliked each other, there was particular animosity between Michael Jordan and Pistons star Isiah Thomas.
Reader's Guide
The rivalry is defined by three main periods: the late 1980s–1991, when the Pistons' 'Bad Boys' and 'Jordan Rules' dominated; the Bulls' dynasty years (1991–1998), during which the teams did not meet in the playoffs; and the 2006–07 revival, when Ben Wallace joined the Bulls and the teams met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Key figures include Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Chuck Daly, Phil Jackson, and Ben Wallace.
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