1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 vs Bulls

Lore & Background

The Pistons are one of the NBA's 'Original Eight' charter teams. They were founded as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in 1937, turned professional in 1941, and won NBL championships in 1944 and 1945. The franchise moved to Detroit in 1957. The Pistons have won three NBA championships: in 1989, 1990, and 2004.

In Their Own Story

The air inside The Palace was thick with anticipation, a palpable mix of hope and anxiety hanging over the hardwood. As Bill Laimbeer stepped onto the court, the roar of the crowd seemed to vibrate through his bones. He knew this wasn't just another game; it was a fight for survival against the greatest player of all time. Every defensive stop felt like a victory, every rebound a reclaiming of territory.

Reader's Guide

The 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals did not go to a Game 7; the Bulls won the series 4-0, sweeping the Pistons. Isiah Thomas played the entire 1992-93 season with Detroit and was still on the team during this series. The Pistons did not defeat the Bulls in Game 5; the Bulls won Game 5 (and the series) 103-93 on May 26, 1993, at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The series was a sweep (4-0), so the Pistons were never down 3-1.

Did You Know?

• The Pistons were originally founded as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in 1937.
• The team won NBL championships in 1944 and 1945.
• The Pistons moved to Detroit in 1957.
• They have won three NBA championships: 1989, 1990, and 2004.