1987 Eastern Semifinals Game 5 vs Celtics

Lore & Background

The most famous moment of the rivalry occurred during Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals. Leading 107–106 with 5 seconds left, and Detroit threatening to take a 3–2 series lead, Isiah Thomas had his inbounds pass stolen by Bird, who dished it off to Dennis Johnson for the winning layup. With Parish forced to sit out Game 6 due to a suspension for punching Laimbeer in the second quarter of Game 5 (the first for a playoff game in NBA history; he also re-sprained his right ankle late in Game 5), the Pistons won Game 6 113–105 to send it back to Boston for Game 7. The Celtics ended the bitter series with a 117–114 win in Boston Garden over Detroit.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Boston Garden tasted of sweat and stale popcorn, thick enough to choke on as the crowd roared for every foul call. Dennis Johnson drove into the lane, expecting a clear path, but was met instantly by a wall of blue and red—Bill Laimbeer's shoulder checking him hard enough to rattle his teeth. The referee blew the whistle, but the momentum had already shifted; the Pistons weren't just playing defense, they were hunting.

Reader's Guide

The 1987 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 was won by the Celtics 108–101, giving them a 3–2 series lead. The Celtics won the series 4–3 after winning Game 7. Isiah Thomas scored 24 points in Game 5.

Did You Know?

• The Celtics won the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals series 4–3.
• Isiah Thomas scored 24 points in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals.
• The Celtics won Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals 108–101.

The Bad Boys' Physical Onslaught

By 1987, the Detroit Pistons had fully transformed into the notorious 'Bad Boys,' a squad defined by intimidation and aggressive defense. Unlike their earlier meetings with Boston, this iteration of Detroit utilized players like Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn, and Dennis Rodman to physically overwhelm opponents. This approach sparked intense hostility between the franchises, frequently escalating into on-court altercations that became a hallmark of the rivalry. In Game 3 of the series, tensions boiled over when Larry Bird and Laimbeer were ejected following a fight, highlighting the volatile nature of their matchups. The Pistons' strategy was designed to disrupt Boston's rhythm through sheer force, creating an environment where every possession felt like a battle for survival. This physicality not only challenged the Celtics' legendary Big Three but also set the stage for one of the most contentious playoff series in NBA history, as Detroit sought to dismantle the champions with brute strength and psychological warfare.

The Steal That Defined Game 5

Game 5 remains etched in basketball lore due to a sequence of events that perfectly encapsulated the rivalry's intensity. With just five seconds remaining and Boston clinging to a one-point lead, Isiah Thomas prepared an inbounds pass that could have given Detroit the series lead. Instead, Larry Bird executed a daring steal on the inbound attempt, immediately pivoting to find Dennis Johnson for a game-winning layup. This play secured a 107–106 victory for Boston and shifted the momentum of the series. However, the game was marred by violence when Robert Parish punched Laimbeer in the second quarter, leading to the first-ever playoff suspension in NBA history. Consequently, Parish missed Game 6 due to this banishment and a re-sprained ankle suffered late in Game 5. Despite these setbacks for Boston, their ability to survive such a chaotic contest demonstrated their resilience against Detroit's relentless pressure.

A Series of Suspensions and Comebacks

The aftermath of the physical altercation in Game 5 had profound implications for the remainder of the series. Robert Parish's suspension for punching Bill Laimbeer marked a historic precedent, as it was the first time an NBA player was suspended specifically for conduct during a playoff game. This absence weakened Boston significantly heading into Game 6, where they faced a Pistons team eager to capitalize on their rival's depleted roster. Detroit seized this opportunity, winning Game 6 by eight points to force a decisive Game 7 in Boston. This victory was crucial as it allowed Boston to advance while preventing Detroit from taking a 3–2 lead, showcasing how individual infractions and injuries can dramatically alter the trajectory of a championship pursuit.

The Genesis of a Decade-Long Feud

This 1987 Eastern Semifinals clash served as the catalyst for one of the most significant rivalries in professional sports history. While the teams had met previously, this series marked the true beginning of their intense intra-conference battles that would define the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Celtics eventually won this specific matchup to claim another championship, but the Pistons learned from these encounters, refining their physical style to finally unseat Boston in 1988. That subsequent victory launched Detroit into three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, proving that the lessons learned against Bird's Celtics were invaluable. Over the next few years, the two franchises would meet repeatedly, with each series adding layers of bitterness and competition. The hatred forged during this 1987 battle laid the groundwork for a decade where both teams dominated the Eastern Conference, creating a legacy that transcended mere statistics.