1987 Eastern Semifinals Game 5 vs Celtics
The 1987 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5: Bird steals Thomas's inbounds pass for the winning layup.
The most famous moment of the rivalry occurred during Game 5. Trailing 107–106 with 5 seconds left, and Detroit facing a 3–2 series deficit, Isiah Thomas had his inbounds pass stolen by Bird, who dished it off to Dennis Johnson for the winning layup.
Quick Facts
- Series standings
- Celtics lead 3-2
- Outcome significance
- Celtics took a 3-2 lead; Pistons won Game 6 to force Game 7
Lore & Background
The two teams met in the 1987 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the Celtics ousted the younger Pistons in seven games.
Reader's Guide
The series was the 1987 Eastern Conference Semifinals. After Game 5, the Celtics led the series 3–2. The final score of Game 5 was 108–107. The famous steal was of an inbounds pass by Isiah Thomas, not Bill Laimbeer.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did this pivotal playoff game occur?
The contest was played on May 6, 1987, inside the historic Boston Garden arena. This date marks a specific turning point in the rivalry between Detroit and Boston during the Eastern Semifinals.
What made this match so important for the Pistons franchise?
It is considered a watershed moment that signaled the full rise of the Bad Boys identity. The game proved Detroit could use physicality to challenge even the most resilient teams in the league.
How did the outcome affect the series progression?
Detroit's victory pushed their lead to three games against two, forcing a decisive Game 7 matchup. This result demonstrated that Boston's legendary spine had finally been broken by the Pistons' aggression.
Which players were central to the key confrontations in this game?
The contest featured intense battles between guards Isiah Thomas and Dennis Johnson on the court. Their interactions defined the physical warfare that characterized the entire series.
What defensive approach did Detroit employ during this contest?
The team utilized a strategy of aggressive physical containment to disrupt Boston's offense. This method highlighted the violent nature of their defense that would become famous in subsequent years.
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