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1988–89 Detroit Pistons season

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox NBA season

| team = Detroit Pistons

| DivisionWin = yes

| ConferenceWin = yes

| ChampionshipWin = yes

| end_year = 1989

| wins = 63

| losses = 19

| division = Central

| division_place = 1

| conf_place = 1

| coach = Chuck Daly

| arena = The Palace of Auburn Hills

| gm = Jack McCloskey

| owner = William Davidson

| television = WKBD-TV
(George Blaha, Dick Motta)
PASS Sports
(Fred McLeod, Tom Wilson)

| radio = WWJ
(George Blaha, Dick Motta)

| playoffs = NBA Champions
(Defeated Lakers 4–0)

| bbr_team = DET

}}

File:Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets 1988-11-22 (ticket).jpg game between the Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets.]]

The 1988–89 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons' 41st season in the NBA and 32nd season in the Detroit metropolitan area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html|title=1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|website=Basketball-Reference.com}} The Pistons moved from the Pontiac Silverdome to the brand-new Palace of Auburn Hills before the start of the season.

The team won their first eight games of the regular season,{{cite web | title = Detroit Pistons at Phoenix Suns Box Score, November 18, 1988 | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811180PHO.html | access-date =February 28, 2024}} and held a 31–13 record at the All-Star break.{{cite web | title = NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989 | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=9&year=1989 | access-date = December 6, 2022}} However, Adrian Dantley was unhappy with his role on the team, losing playing time to Dennis Rodman at the small forward position.{{cite news | last = Waitzkin | first = Fred | title = What Drives the Pistons | work = The New York Times | date = January 8, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/08/magazine/what-drives-the-pistons.html | access-date = December 25, 2022}}{{cite news | agency = Detroit Free Press | title = Pistons Halt an Uneasy Marriage; Adrian Dantley Sent Packing for a Younger Man | work = Mitch Albom | date = February 16, 1989 | url = https://www.mitchalbom.com/pistons-halt-an-uneasy-marriageadrian-dantley-sent-packing-for-a-younger-man/ | access-date = February 28, 2024}}{{cite magazine | last = McCallum | first = Jack | title = And the Winner Is...; Who Got the Better Deal, Detroit in Mark Aguirre or Dallas in Adrian Dantley? | magazine = Sports Illustrated Vault | date = March 6, 1989 | url = https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/03/06/and-the-winner-is-who-got-the-better-deal-detroit-in-mark-aguirre-or-dallas-in-adrian-dantley | access-date = February 28, 2024}}{{cite news | title = Dantley Was Ushered Out of Detroit Before He Could Win a Title | work = Vintage Detroit | date = March 19, 2013 | url = https://www.vintagedetroit.com/dantley-was-ushered-out-of-detroit-before-he-could-win-a-title/ | access-date = February 10, 2022}} At mid-season, the team traded Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for All-Star forward Mark Aguirre, a childhood friend of Isiah Thomas;{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Mavericks Trade Aguirre to Pistons | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 15, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-15-sp-2668-story.html | access-date = June 20, 2023}}{{cite news | last = Mike | first = Rabun | title = The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons Wednesday Exchanged All-Star... | publisher = United Press International | date = February 15, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/02/15/The-Dallas-Mavericks-and-Detroit-Pistons-Wednesday-exchanged-All-Star/8078603522000/ | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Dantley Traded for Aguirre | work = Deseret News | date = February 15, 1989 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1989/2/15/18795417/dantley-traded-for-aguirre | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | title = SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Mavericks Send Aguirre to Pistons for Dantley | work = The New York Times | date = February 16, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/16/sports/sports-people-basketball-mavericks-send-aguirre-to-pistons-for-dantley.html | access-date = February 10, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Baker | first = Chris | title = Pistons Acquire Aguirre in Trade for Dantley, Pick | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 16, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-16-sp-3735-story.html | access-date = December 6, 2022}} Dantley felt that Thomas had a major role in engineering the trade, so that Aguirre could have the opportunity of winning a championship, an accusation that Thomas denied.{{cite news | title = Dantley Says Politics, Not Basketball, Led to Trade | publisher = United Press International | date = June 11, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/06/11/Dantley-says-politics-not-basketball-led-to-trade/4369613540800/ | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Cotton | first = Anthony | title = He May Play for Dallas Now, But Don't Brand Dantley a Maverick | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = October 18, 1989 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/10/18/he-may-play-for-dallas-now-but-dont-brand-dantley-a-maverick/d93c63cd-7283-43cb-959e-aff2c3db0dc4/ | access-date = December 6, 2022}} The Pistons posted a nine-game winning streak in March, won eight consecutive games between March and April, then won their final five games, finishing in first place in the Central Division with a league best record of 63–19.{{cite web | title = 1988–89 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989_games.html | access-date = February 10, 2022}}{{cite web | last=Feldman | first=Dan | title=Chevette to Corvette No. 1: The 1988-89 Detroit Pistons | website=PistonPowered | date=2012-01-09 | url=https://pistonpowered.com/2012/01/09/chevette-to-corvette-no-1-the-1988-89-detroit-pistons/ | access-date=2025-03-19}}

Thomas led the team with 18.2 points, 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game, and was selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game in Houston, Texas,{{cite news | last = Goldaper | first = Sam | title = BASKETBALL; Jackson and Ewing Are Chosen as All-Stars | work = The New York Times | date = February 1, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/01/sports/basketball-jackson-and-ewing-are-chosen-as-all-stars.html | access-date = May 21, 2023}}{{cite news | last = McManis | first = Sam | title = Today's All-Star Game May Lack the Usual Magic: Without Johnson and Bird, NBA Showcase Just Won't Be the Same | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 12, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-12-sp-3000-story.html | access-date = December 20, 2022}}{{cite news | title = NBA All-Star Weekend Stars Will Have to Shine Without Bird, Magic Spotlights | work = Sun Sentinel | date = February 12, 1989 | url = https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1989/02/12/nba-all-star-weekend-stars-will-have-to-shine-without-bird-magic-spotlights/ | access-date = May 21, 2023}}{{cite news | agency = NBA.com Staff | title = 1989 NBA All-Star Recap | publisher = NBA.com | date = September 13, 2021 | url = https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1989 | access-date = May 21, 2023}}{{cite web | title = 1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134 | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1989.html | access-date = February 10, 2022}} while Joe Dumars averaged 17.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, and Vinnie Johnson contributed 13.8 points per game. In addition, Bill Laimbeer provided the team with 13.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Rodman provided with 9.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game off the bench, and Rick Mahorn averaged 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.{{cite web | title = 1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html | access-date = February 10, 2022}} Dumars and Rodman were both named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, while Rodman finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting,{{cite news | agency = Times Wire Services | title = IN BRIEF: Utah's Eaton Gets Defensive Award | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 11, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-11-sp-3730-story.html | access-date = December 27, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Sports Digest | publisher = United Press International | date = May 11, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/11/Sports-Digest/9786610862400/ | access-date = February 29, 2024}}{{cite web | title = 1988–89 NBA Awards Voting | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1989.html | access-date = February 14, 2022}} and in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting,{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Suns' Johnson Wins NBA's 6th Man Award | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 8, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-08-sp-2691-story.html | access-date = December 27, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Bailey Finishes Second in Sixth-Man Balloting | work = Deseret News | date = May 9, 1989 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1989/5/9/18806436/bailey-finishes-second-in-sixth-man-balloting | access-date = December 27, 2022}} and head coach Chuck Daly finished in fourth place in Coach of the Year voting.{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Fitzsimmons Coach of Year | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 25, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-25-sp-1088-story.html | access-date = December 28, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Cotton Fitzsimmons, Who Led the Phoenix Suns to the... | publisher = United Press International | date = May 25, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/25/Cotton-Fitzsimmons-who-led-the-Phoenix-Suns-to-the/3696612072000/ | access-date = January 31, 2023}}{{cite news | title = Around the NBA | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = May 26, 1989 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/05/26/around-the-nba/745126b6-c9dd-4fee-a36e-5419e64424db/ | access-date = November 6, 2023}}

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Pistons swept the Boston Celtics in three straight games,{{cite news | last = Waterman | first = Frederick | title = Pistons Sweep Celtics | publisher = United Press International | date = May 2, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/02/Pistons-sweep-Celtics/4747610084800/ | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Gold | first = Allan R. | title = Pistons' Defense Smothers Celtics' Season | work = The New York Times | date = May 3, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/03/sports/pistons-defense-smothers-celtics-season.html | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Aldridge | first = David | title = Pistons Finish Sweep of Celtics | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = May 3, 1989 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/05/03/pistons-finish-sweep-of-celtics/41be3657-a638-45ef-a48a-f59fcb61ece9/ | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1989 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Celtics vs. Pistons | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-celtics-vs-pistons.html | access-date = March 20, 2023}} then swept the 5th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in four straight games in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.{{cite news | last = DiGiovanni | first = Joe | title = Pistons 96, Bucks 94 | publisher = United Press International | date = May 15, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/15/Pistons-96-Bucks-94/6949611208000/ | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = Pistons Edge Bucks to Complete a Sweep | work = The New York Times | date = May 16, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/16/sports/pistons-edge-bucks-to-complete-a-sweep.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = NBA PLAYOFFS: Pistons Sweep Bucks Out of the Way | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 16, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-16-sp-39-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1989 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bucks vs. Pistons | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bucks-vs-pistons.html | access-date = March 20, 2023}} In the Eastern Conference Finals, they trailed 2–1 to Michael Jordan and the 6th-seeded Chicago Bulls, but managed to win the series in six games to advance to the NBA Finals,{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = Pistons Earn a Rematch with Lakers in Final | work = The New York Times | date = June 3, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/03/sports/pistons-earn-a-rematch-with-lakers-in-final.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Downey | first = Mike | title = No Bull, Lakers Get Pistons Again: After Smoke Clears, "Gangsters" Have 103-94 Victory in Game 6 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 3, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-03-sp-984-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Smith | first = Sam | title = Pistons Finish Bulls with K.O. | work = Chicago Tribune | date = June 3, 1989 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-06-03-8902060748-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1989 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Pistons | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bulls-vs-pistons.html | access-date = March 20, 2023}} where the Pistons would win their first ever NBA championship, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in four straight games, as Dumars was named Finals MVP.{{cite news | last = Barnes | first = Mike | title = Pistons Win NBA Title | publisher = United Press International | date = June 13, 1989 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/06/13/Pistons-win-NBA-title/2910613713600/ | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Goldaper | first = Sam | title = Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers | work = The New York Times | date = June 14, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/sports/pistons-earn-first-title-by-sweeping-lakers.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | last = McManis | first = Sam | title = Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97 | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 14, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-14-sp-2097-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Smith | first = Sam | title = Pistons Sweep to NBA Title | work = Chicago Tribune | date = June 14, 1989 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-06-14-8902090575-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-finals-lakers-vs-pistons.html | access-date = March 20, 2023}} This series was a rematch from last year's NBA Finals, with the Pistons avenging their NBA Finals loss. The Pistons clinched every series victory on the road that was later followed by the 1999 San Antonio Spurs and 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Following the season, Mahorn was left unprotected in the 1989 NBA Expansion Draft, where he was selected by the newly expansion Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = Knicks' Green Is Taken First in N.B.A.'s Expansion Draft | work = The New York Times | date = June 16, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/16/sports/knicks-green-is-taken-first-in-nba-s-expansion-draft.html | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = NBA Expansion Draft: Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 16, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Cotton | first = Anthony | title = Green Tabbed No. 1, Mahorn No. 2 in NBA Expansion Draft | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = June 16, 1989 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/06/16/green-tabbed-no-1-mahorn-no-2-in-nba-expansion-draft/02cba5ec-962f-41fa-be20-cebc59d4c544/ | access-date = January 31, 2023}}{{cite news | last = Smith | first = Sam | title = Magic Day for Vincent, Not for Mahorn | work = Chicago Tribune | date = June 16, 1989 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-06-16-8902100511-story.html | access-date = July 8, 2023}}{{cite web | title = 1989 NBA Expansion Draft | publisher = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1989_expansion.html | access-date = February 10, 2022}} However, Mahorn never played for the Timberwolves due to a contract dispute, as he was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers soon after.{{cite news | title = Mahorn Traded to 76ers | work = The New York Times | date = October 28, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/28/sports/mahorn-traded-to-76ers.html | access-date = February 10, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Mahorn Is Traded to 76ers | work = Los Angeles Times | date = October 28, 1989 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-28-sp-632-story.html | access-date = December 6, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Timberwolves Trade Mahorn to the 76ers | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = October 28, 1989 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/10/28/timberwolves-trade-mahorn-to-the-76ers/850ab6ce-9daf-4fee-bd75-7fe72fb8ca31/ | access-date = July 8, 2023}}{{cite news | title = Minnesota Trades Mahorn to Philadelphia | work = Deseret News | date = October 28, 1989 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1989/10/28/18830002/minnesota-trades-mahorn-to-philadelphia | access-date = July 8, 2023}}

The Pistons and Lakers would face each other again 15 years later in the NBA Finals in 2004, where the Pistons won in five games en route to their third NBA championship, despite being underdogs to the heavily-favored Lakers.

Draft picks

class="wikitable sortable sortable"

! style="background:#00008B; color:#DC143C; width:10%;"| Round

! style="background:#00008B; color:#DC143C; width:10%;"| Pick

! style="background:#00008B; color:#DC143C; width:20%;"| Player

! style="background:#00008B; color:#DC143C; width:15%;"| Position

! style="background:#00008B; color:#DC143C; width:15%;"| Nationality

! style="background:#00008B; color:#DC143C; width:20%;"| College

2

| 30

| Fennis Dembo

| Forward

| {{USA}}

| Wyoming

2

| 48

| Micheal Williams

| Guard

| {{USA}}

| Baylor

{{cite web|url=http://www.databasebasketball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1988&lg=N |title=1988 NBA Draft on Basketballreference.com |access-date=2009-05-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317221203/http://www.databasebasketball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1988&lg=N |archive-date=2010-03-17 }}

Roster

{{NBA roster header|team=Detroit Pistons|season=1988–89

| bg1 = #00008B | color1 = #FFFFFF

| bg2 = #DC143C | color2 = #FFFFFF

}}

{{player2 | num = 23 | first = Mark | last = Aguirre | pos = SF | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 232 | DOB = 1959–12–10 | college = DePaul University}}

{{player2 | num = 50 | first = Darryl | last = Dawkins | pos = PF | ft = 6 | in = 11 | lbs = 251 | DOB = 1957–01–11 | college = Evans High School (Orlando, FL) }}

{{player2 | num = 34 | first = Fennis | last = Dembo | pos = SF | ft = 6 | in = 5 | lbs = 215 | DOB = 1966–01–24 | college = University of Wyoming}}

{{player2 | num = 4 | first = Joe | last = Dumars | pos = SG | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 190 | DOB = 1963–05–24 | college = McNeese State}}

{{player2 | num = 53 | first = James | last = Edwards | dab=basketball | pos = C | ft = 7 | in = 0 | lbs = 225 | DOB = 1955–11–22 | college = University of Washington}}

{{player2 | num = 15 | first = Vinnie | last = Johnson | pos = SG | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 200 | DOB = 1956–09–01 | college = Baylor University}}

{{player2 | num = 40 | first = Bill | last = Laimbeer | pos = C | ft = 6 | in = 11 |lbs = 245 | DOB = 1957–05–19 | college = University of Notre Dame}}

{{player2 | num = 25 | first = John | last = Long | dab=basketball, born 1956 | pos = SG | ft = 6 | in = 5 | lbs = 195 | DOB = 1956–08–28 | college = University of Detroit Mercy}}

{{player2 | num = 44 | first = Rick | last = Mahorn | pos = PF | ft = 6 | in = 10 | lbs = 240 | DOB = 1958–09–21 | college = Hampton University}}

{{player2 | num = 10 | first = Dennis | last = Rodman | pos = SF | ft = 6 | in = 7 | lbs = 220 | DOB = 1961–05–13 | college = Southeastern Oklahoma State University}}

{{player2 | num = 22 | first = John | last = Salley | pos = PF | ft = 6 | in = 11 | lbs = 230 | DOB = 1964–05–16 | college = Georgia Institute of Technology}}

{{player2 | num = 11 | first = Isiah | last = Thomas | pos = PG | ft = 6 | in = 1 |lbs = 180 | DOB = 1961–04–30 | college = Indiana University }}

{{player2 | num = 24 | first = Micheal | last = Williams | pos = PG | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 175 | DOB = 1966–07–23 | college = Baylor }}

{{NBA roster footer

|head_coach =

|asst_coach =

|ath_train =

  • Mike Abdenour

}}

Regular season

On February 15, 1989, the Pistons traded Adrian Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks for Mark Aguirre. Dantley was unhappy relegating the leadership role on the Pistons to Isiah Thomas, while Aguirre had clashed with his coaches and teammates in Dallas. Aguirre was more amenable to deferring to Thomas, and accepted his role in Chuck Daly's system. His ability to shoot the three, post up, run the floor, and pass was instrumental in the growth of the team.

=Season standings=

{{1988–89 NBA Central standings|team=DET}}

{{1988–89 NBA East standings|team=DET}}

=Record vs. opponents=

class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center;"
colspan=26|1988–89 NBA Records
width=100|Team

!style="background:#FF0000;color:#FFFFFF;width=35"|ATL

!style="background:#006400;color:#FFFFFF;width=35"|BOS

!style="background:#008080;color:#800080;width=35"|CHA

!style="background:#FF0000;color:#000000;width=35"|CHI

!style="background:#000080;color:#FF8C00;width=35"|CLE

!style="background:#008000;color:#00008B;width=35"|DAL

!style="background:#0000CD;color:#FFD700;width=35"|DEN

!style="background:#0000FF;color:#FF0000;width=35"|DET

!style="background:#0000FF;color:#FFD700;width=35"|GSW

!style="background:#FF0000;color:#FFD700;width=35"|HOU

!style="background:#000080;color:#FFD700;width=35"|IND

!style="background:#F9160D;color:#1A2E8B;width=35"|LAC

!style="background:#800080;color:#FFD700;width=35"|LAL

!style="background:#000000;color:#8B0000;width=35"|MIA

!style="background:#006400;color:#B22222;width=35"|MIL

!style="background:#B0170C;color:#00056D;width=35"|NJN

!style="background:#0000FF;color:#FF8C00;width=35"|NYK

!style="background:#FF0000;color:#0000FF;width=35"|PHI

!style="background:#800080;color:#FF4500;width=35"|PHO

!style="background:#000000;color:#FF0000;width=35"|POR

!style="background:#0000FF;color:#FFFFFF;width=35"|SAC

!style="background:#000000;color:#C0C0C0;width=35"|SAS

!style="background:#005831;color:#FFC322;width=35"|SEA

!style="background:#36004A;color:#FFFF00;width=35"|UTA

!style="background:#DC143C;color:#0000CD;width=35"|WAS

style="text-align:left;" | Atlanta—3–14–14–24–21–10–21–51–11–15–12–01–11–16–04–12–22–21–11–12–01–11–11–13–1
style="text-align:left;" | Boston1–3—6–01–31–41–11–11–31–11–12–32–01–12–02–25–13–33–30–21–12–02–00–21–12–4
style="text-align:left;" | Charlotte1–40–6—1–40–40–20–20–40–20–22–22–00–21–10–42–42–43–30–20–21–12–01–11–11–5
style="text-align:left;" | Chicago2–43–14–1—0–62–01–10–61–11–14–21–12–02–06–02–23–21–31–12–02–02–02–00–23–1
style="text-align:left;" | Cleveland2–44–14–06–0—2–02–03–31–11–15–11–10–22–03–34–02–23–22–02–02–02–01–11–12–2
style="text-align:left;" | Dallas1–11–12–00–20–2—3–30–21–31–51–13–10–46–00–21–10–21–11–32–22–25–12–24–21–1
style="text-align:left;" | Denver2–01–12–01–10–23–3—1–13–14–21–12–21–35–10–21–11–11–11–32–23–13–32–23–31–1
style="text-align:left;" | Detroit5–13–14–06–03–32–01–1—1–11–14–22–02–02–02–44–00–45–02–01–12–02–02–02–05–0
style="text-align:left;" | Golden State1–11–12–01–11–13–11–31–1—1–31–15–12–34–00–22–02–01–12–42–42–33–12–42–21–1
style="text-align:left;" | Houston1–11–12–01–11–15–12–41–13–1—2–02–21–34–21–12–00–20–21–33–12–26–02–22–40–2
style="text-align:left;" | Indiana1–53–22–22–41–51–11–12–41–10–2—1–10–21–12–41–30–50–41–12–01–12–01–11–11–3
style="text-align:left;" | L.A. Clippers0–20–20–21–11–11–32–20–21–52–21–1—1–51–30–21–10–20–21–51–52–33–11–41–30–2
style="text-align:left;" | L.A. Lakers1–11–12–00–22–04–03–10–23–23–12–05–1—4–01–11–11–12–03–35–05–13–14–21–31–1
style="text-align:left;" | Miami1–10–21–10–20–20–61–50–20–42–41–13–10–4—0–21–11–10–20–40–41–32–40–41–50–2
style="text-align:left;" | Milwaukee0–62–24–00–63–32–02–04–22–01–14–22–01–12–0—4–11–33–11–12–02–01–11–11–14–1
style="text-align:left;" | New Jersey1–41–54–22–20–41–11–10–40–20–23–11–11–11–11–4—2–41–51–10–21–11–12–00–21–5
style="text-align:left;" | New York2–23–34–22–32–22–01–14–00–22–05–02–01–11–13–14–2—2–41–12–01–11–11–11–15–1
style="text-align:left;" | Philadelphia2–23–33–33–12–31–11–10–51–12–04–02–00–22–01–35–14–2—0–21–12–01–11–11–14–2
style="text-align:left;" | Phoenix1–12–02–01–10–23–13–10–24–23–11–15–13–34–01–11–11–12–0—2–35–13–14–12–22–0
style="text-align:left;" | Portland1–11–12–00–20–22–22–21–14–21–30–25–10–54–00–22–00–21–13–2—3–34–02–40–41–1
style="text-align:left;" | Sacramento0–20–21–10–20–22–21–30–23–22–21–13–21–53–10–21–11–10–21–53–3—2–21–51–30–2
style="text-align:left;" | San Antonio1–10–20–20–20–21–53–30–21–30–60–21–31–34–21–11–11–11–11–30–42–2—0–41–51–1
style="text-align:left;" | Seattle1–12–01–10–21–12–22–20–24–22–21–14–12–44–01–10–21–11–11–44–25–14–0—3–11–1
style="text-align:left;" | Utah1–11–11–12–01–12–43–30–22–24–21–13–13–15–11–12–01–11–12–24–03–15–11–3—2–0
style="text-align:left;" | Washington1–34–25–11–32–21–11–10–51–12–03–12–01–12–01–45–11–52–40–21–12–01–11–10–2—

Game log

=Regular season=

{{NBA game log start|Detroit Pistons|bgcolor=#0000FF|color=#FF0000|end_year=1989|record=Total: 63–19 (Home: 37–4; Road: 26–15)}}

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|November|first=yes|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF

| home_wins = 4

| home_losses = 1

| road_wins = 7

| road_losses = 2

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 1

| {{dow tooltip|November 4, 1988}}
8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811040CHI.html W 107–94]

| Dantley (22)

| Mahorn (10)

| Thomas (14)

| Chicago Stadium
18,420

| 1–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 2

| {{dow tooltip|November 5, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Charlotte

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811050DET.html W 94–85]

| Dantley (18)

| Laimbeer (12)

| Dumars,
Thomas (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 2–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 3

| {{dow tooltip|November 8, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Philadelphia

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811080PHI.html W 116–109]

| Dumars (30)

| Laimbeer (11)

| Dumars,
Thomas (9)

| The Spectrum
10,115

| 3–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 4

| {{dow tooltip|November 9, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Atlanta

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811090DET.html W 101–95]

| Thomas (21)

| Laimbeer (13)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 4–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 5

| {{dow tooltip|November 11, 1988}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811110BOS.html W 116–107]

| Dantley (31)

| Mahorn (6)

| Thomas (10)

| Boston Garden
14,890

| 5–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 6

| {{dow tooltip|November 15, 1988}}
8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Dallas

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811150DAL.html W 108–99]

| Laimbeer (23)

| Laimbeer (21)

| Thomas (12)

| Reunion Arena
17,007

| 6–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 7

| {{dow tooltip|November 16, 1988}}
8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ San Antonio

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811160SAS.html W 94–88]

| Dumars (20)

| Mahorn (10)

| Thomas (8)

| HemisFair Arena
11,991

| 7–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 8

| {{dow tooltip|November 18, 1988}}
9:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Phoenix

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811180PHO.html W 121–105]

| Dumars (31)

| Rodman (12)

| Thomas (11)

| Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
14,471

| 8–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 9

| {{dow tooltip|November 19, 1988}}
8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Houston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811190HOU.html L 98–109]

| Thomas (26)

| Rodman (12)

| Thomas (6)

| The Summit
16,611

| 8–1

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 10

| {{dow tooltip|November 22, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Charlotte

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811220CHH.html W 99–93]

| Dumars (26)

| Mahorn (10)

| Thomas (8)

| Charlotte Coliseum
23,389

| 9–1

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 11

| {{dow tooltip|November 23, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| New York

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811230DET.html L 111–133]

| Dantley (25)

| Laimbeer,
Rodman (9)

| Thomas (11)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 9–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 12

| {{dow tooltip|November 26, 1988}}
8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| L.A. Lakers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811260DET.html W 102–99]

| Dumars (20)

| Mahorn (11)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 10–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 13

| {{dow tooltip|November 29, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Indiana

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811290IND.html L 98–107]

| Laimbeer (22)

| Laimbeer (10)

| Thomas (12)

| Market Square Arena
10,275

| 10–3

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 14

| {{dow tooltip|November 30, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Indiana

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811300DET.html W 114–111]

| Thomas (36)

| Laimbeer (9)

| Thomas (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 11–3

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|December|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF

| home_wins = 6

| home_losses = 1

| road_wins = 3

| road_losses = 3

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 15

| {{dow tooltip|December 2, 1988}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Washington

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812020WSB.html W 120–114]

| Dantley (28)

| Mahorn (8)

| Thomas (10)

| Capital Centre
12,606

| 12–3

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 16

| {{dow tooltip|December 4, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ New Jersey

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812040NJN.html W 102–99]

| Dantley (21)

| Mahorn (12)

| Thomas (8)

| Brendan Byrne Arena
12,517

| 13–3

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 17

| {{dow tooltip|December 6, 1988}}
8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812060MIL.html L 84–109]

| Dantley (17)

| Laimbeer (6)

| Laimbeer (6)

| Bradley Center
15,619

| 13–4

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 18

| {{dow tooltip|December 7, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812070DET.html W 102–89]

| Dantley (31)

| Laimbeer (12)

| Thomas (13)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 14–4

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 19

| {{dow tooltip|December 9, 1988}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Atlanta

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812090ATL.html W 92–82]

| Dumars (24)

| Laimbeer,
Rodman,
Salley (8)

| Dumars (6)

| The Omni
16,374

| 15–4

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 20

| {{dow tooltip|December 10, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Philadelphia

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812100DET.html W 106–100]

| Thomas (37)

| Laimbeer (15)

| Laimbeer (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 16–4

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 21

| {{dow tooltip|December 14, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812140DET.html L 110–119]

| Dantley (22)

| Laimbeer (12)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 16–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 22

| {{dow tooltip|December 15, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Cleveland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812150CLE.html L 98–119]

| Dumars (16)

| Rodman (10)

| Williams (7)

| Richfield Coliseum
18,718

| 16–6

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 23

| {{dow tooltip|December 17, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Charlotte

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812170DET.html W 100–91]

| Thomas (25)

| Mahorn (12)

| Thomas (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 17–6

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 24

| {{dow tooltip|December 20, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Miami

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812200DET.html W 116–100]

| Johnson (22)

| Rodman (9)

| Thomas (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 18–6

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 25

| {{dow tooltip|December 22, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ New York

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812220NYK.html L 85–88]

| Johnson (19)

| Mahorn (14)

| Yhomas (7)

| Madison Square Garden
19,591

| 18–7

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 26

| {{dow tooltip|December 28, 1988}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Phoenix

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812280DET.html W 106–100]

| Dantley (24)

| Rodman (14)

| Dumars (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 19–7

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 27

| {{dow tooltip|December 30, 1988}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Houston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812300DET.html W 95–83]

| Dumars (28)

| Laimbeer,
Mahorn (13)

| Dantley,
Laimbeer,
Thomas (5)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 20–7

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|January|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF

| home_wins = 7

| home_losses = 2

| road_wins = 1

| road_losses = 4

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 28

| {{dow tooltip|January 3, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Atlanta

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901030ATL.html L 104–123]

| Thomas (28)

| Rodman (8)

| Thomas (6)

| The Omni
16,371

| 20–8

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 29

| {{dow tooltip|January 6, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Atlanta

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901060DET.html W 111–88]

| Laimbeer,
Thomas (19)

| Laimbeer (10)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 21–8

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 30

| {{dow tooltip|January 7, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Indiana

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901070IND.html L 99–113]

| Thomas (31)

| Rodman (12)

| Thomas (8)

| Market Square Arena
16,105

| 21–9

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 31

| {{dow tooltip|January 11, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| New York

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901110DET.html L 93–100]

| Laimbeer (21)

| Rodman (10)

| Thomas (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 21–10

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 32

| {{dow tooltip|January 13, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Washington

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901130DET.html W 119–103]

| Dantley (35)

| Laimbeer (14)

| Thomas (8)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 22–10

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 33

| {{dow tooltip|January 15, 1989}}
2:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901150MIL.html L 112–120]

| Thomas (25)

| Laimbeer (10)

| Thomas (13)

| Bradley Center
18,633

| 22–11

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 34

| {{dow tooltip|January 16, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901160DET.html W 96–87]

| Johnson (21)

| Laimbeer (12)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 23–11

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 35

| {{dow tooltip|January 18, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| New Jersey

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901180DET.html W 103–90]

| Dantley (24)

| Rodman (16)

| Johnson,
Thomas (6)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 24–11

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 36

| {{dow tooltip|January 20, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Indiana

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901200DET.html W 132–99]

| Laimbeer (27)

| Laimbeer,
Rodman (11)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 25–11

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 37

| {{dow tooltip|January 22, 1989}}
12{{nbsp}}Noon EST

| @ Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901220BOS.html L 99–112]

| Thomas (26)

| Salley (11)

| Salley,
Thomas (5)

| Boston Garden
14,890

| 25–12

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 38

| {{dow tooltip|January 25, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Golden State

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901250DET.html W 105–104]

| Thomas (27)

| Rodman (16)

| Thomas (8)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 26–12

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 39

| {{dow tooltip|January 27, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Cleveland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901270DET.html L 79–80]

| Johnson,
Thomas (22)

| Rodman (17)

| Thomas (5)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 26–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 40

| {{dow tooltip|January 29, 1989}}
7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Sacramento

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901290DET.html W 122–97]

| Rodman (24)

| Rodman (16)

| Thomas (15)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 27–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 41

| {{dow tooltip|January 31, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198901310CHI.html W 104–98 (OT)]

| Thomas (34)

| Rodman (14)

| Dantley (8)

| Chicago Stadium
18,288

| 28–13

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|February|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF

| home_wins = 4

| home_losses = 0

| road_wins = 4

| road_losses = 3

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 42

| {{dow tooltip|February 3, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Philadelphia

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902030PHI.html W 124–106]

| Dantley (33)

| Laimbeer,
Salley,
Thomas (7)

| Thomas (7)

| The Spectrum
15,268

| 29–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 43

| {{dow tooltip|February 5, 1989}}
2:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902050DET.html W 113–102]

| Johnson (27)

| Rodman (13)

| Thomas (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 30–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 44

| {{dow tooltip|February 8, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902080DET.html W 107–96]

| Laimbeer (22)

| Rodman (12)

| Thomas (14)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 31–13

|- align="center"

|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break

|- style="background:#cfc;"

|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 45

| {{dow tooltip|February 14, 1989}}
10:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ L.A. Lakers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902140LAL.html W 111–103]

| Dumars,
Thomas (23)

| Rodman (15)

| Thomas (15)

| Great Western Forum
17,505

| 32–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 46

| {{dow tooltip|February 16, 1989}}
10:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Sacramento

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902160SAC.html W 95–84]

| Dumars,
Johnson,
Laimbeer (20)

| Rodman (15)

| Thomas (14)

| ARCO Arena
16,517

| 33–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 47

| {{dow tooltip|February 18, 1989}}
10:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Golden State

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902180GSW.html L 119–121 (OT)]

| Laimbeer,
Rodman (32)

| Rodman (21)

| Thomas (13)

| Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena
15,025

| 33–14

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 48

| {{dow tooltip|February 20, 1989}}
4:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Denver

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902200DEN.html L 101–103]

| Johnson (21)

| Laimbeer (16)

| Thomas (10)

| McNichols Sports Arena
17,022

| 33–15

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 49

| {{dow tooltip|February 22, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Portland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902220DET.html W 105–94]

| Dumars (19)

| Rodman (15)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 34–15

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 50

| {{dow tooltip|February 25, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ New Jersey

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902250NJN.html W 113–95]

| Aguirre (31)

| Mahorn (9)

| Dumars (10)

| Brendan Byrne Arena
20,049

| 35–15

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 51

| {{dow tooltip|February 26, 1989}}
7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| L.A. Clippers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902260DET.html W 110–98]

| Thomas (21)

| Rodman (13)

| Thomas (11)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 36–15

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 52

| {{dow tooltip|February 28, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Cleveland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198902280CLE.html L 99–115]

| Aguirre,
Thomas (28)

| Rodman (11)

| Thomas (13)

| Richfield Coliseum
20,246

| 36–16

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|March|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF

| home_wins = 9

| home_losses = 0

| road_wins = 7

| road_losses = 1

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 53

| {{dow tooltip|March 1, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Utah

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903010DET.html W 96–85]

| Johnson (34)

| Laimbeer (13)

| Dumars (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 37–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 54

| {{dow tooltip|March 3, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Cleveland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903030DET.html W 96–90]

| Laimbeer (24)

| Laimbeer (14)

| Thomas (11)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 38–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 55

| {{dow tooltip|March 5, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Miami

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903050MIA.html W 109–100]

| Johnson,
Thomas (22)

| Rodman (10)

| Thomas (8)

| Miami Arena
15,008

| 39–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 56

| {{dow tooltip|March 6, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Denver

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903060DET.html W 129–116]

| Dumars (25)

| Mahorn (19)

| Thomas (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 40–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 57

| {{dow tooltip|March 8, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Seattle

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903080DET.html W 112–96]

| Thomas (27)

| Laimbeer (19)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 41–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 58

| {{dow tooltip|March 11, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Philadelphia

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903110PHI.html W 111–106]

| Thomas (34)

| Laimbeer (16)

| Thomas (8)

| The Spectrum
17,678

| 42–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 59

| {{dow tooltip|March 12, 1989}}
7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Washington

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903120DET.html W 110–104]

| Laimbeer (24)

| Laimbeer (16)

| Thomas (8)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 43–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 60

| {{dow tooltip|March 14, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Indiana

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903140IND.html W 129–117]

| Dumars (30)

| Johnson (7)

| Dumars (8)

| Market Square Arena
12,031

| 44–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 61

| {{dow tooltip|March 17, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903170DET.html W 106–98]

| Johnson (30)

| Laimbeer,
Rodman (10)

| Dumars (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 45–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 62

| {{dow tooltip|March 18, 1989}}
9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903180MIL.html L 100–117]

| Aguirre,
Johnson (14)

| Rodman (13)

| Dumars (9)

| Bradley Center
18,633

| 45–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 63

| {{dow tooltip|March 21, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Atlanta

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903210ATL.html W 110–95]

| Thomas (26)

| Laimbeer (12)

| Dumars (9)

| The Omni
16,371

| 46–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 64

| {{dow tooltip|March 22, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| San Antonio

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903220DET.html W 115–94]

| Laimbeer (21)

| Laimbeer (10)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 47–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 65

| {{dow tooltip|March 24, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| New Jersey

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903240DET.html W 112–96]

| Dumars (35)

| Aguirre (11)

| Thomas (11)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 48–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 66

| {{dow tooltip|March 25, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Charlotte

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903250CHH.html W 113–101]

| Dumars (18)

| Laimbeer (11)

| Thomas (6)

| Charlotte Coliseum
23,388

| 49–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 67

| {{dow tooltip|March 27, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| Dallas

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903270DET.html W 90–77]

| Thomas (30)

| Laimbeer,
Rodman (11)

| Dumars (6)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 50–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 68

| {{dow tooltip|March 29, 1989}}
9:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Utah

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903290UTA.html W 108–104]

| Thomas (25)

| Mahorn (11)

| Thomas (8)

| Salt Palace
12,444

| 51–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 69

| {{dow tooltip|March 31, 1989}}
10:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EST

| @ Seattle

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198903310SEA.html W 111–108]

| Dumars (27)

| Rodman (7)

| Dumars,
Thomas (4)

| Seattle Center Coliseum
14,810

| 52–17

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|April|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF

| home_wins = 7

| home_losses = 0

| road_wins = 4

| road_losses = 2

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 70

| {{dow tooltip|April 2, 1989}}
9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ L.A. Clippers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904020LAC.html W 117–101]

| Dumars (23)

| Laimbeer (18)

| Dumars,
Thomas (7)

| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
14,309

| 54–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 71

| {{dow tooltip|April 4, 1989}}
10:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Portland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904040POR.html L 100–118]

| Rodman (16)

| Rodman (18)

| Dumars (6)

| Memorial Coliseum
12,880

| 53–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 72

| {{dow tooltip|April 6, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904060DET.html W 115–108]

| Dumars (20)

| Laimbeer (22)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 54–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 73

| {{dow tooltip|April 7, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904070CHI.html W 114–112 (OT)]

| Johnson (30)

| Mahorn (11)

| Dumars,
Johnson (8)

| Chicago Stadium
18,678

| 55–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 74

| {{dow tooltip|April 9, 1989}}
7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904090DET.html W 100–91]

| Aguirre (20)

| Aguirre (11)

| Dumars (13)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 56–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 75

| {{dow tooltip|April 10, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Washington

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904100WSB.html W 124–100]

| Laimbeer (27)

| Laimbeer (11)

| Dumars (11)

| Capital Centre
11,305

| 57–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 76

| {{dow tooltip|April 12, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Cleveland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904120DET.html W 107–95]

| Johnson (31)

| Mahorn (11)

| Dumars (11)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 58–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 77

| {{dow tooltip|April 14, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ New York

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904140NYK.html L 100–104]

| Laimbeer (19)

| Rodman (10)

| Dumars (8)

| Madison Square Garden
19,591

| 58–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 78

| {{dow tooltip|April 16, 1989}}
7:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Washington

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904160DET.html W 104–98]

| Aguirre (19)

| Laimbeer (10)

| Dumars,
Thomas (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 59–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 79

| {{dow tooltip|April 18, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Cleveland

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904180CLE.html W 118–102]

| Dumars (42)

| Mahorn (11)

| Dumars (11)

| Richfield Coliseum
20,273

| 60–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 80

| {{dow tooltip|April 19, 1989}}
7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Indiana

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904190DET.html W 115–105]

| Dumars (20)

| Rodman (14)

| Dumars (11)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 61–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 81

| {{dow tooltip|April 21, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Philadelphia

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904210DET.html W 100–91]

| Aguirre (22)

| Mahorn (9)

| Dumars (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 62–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 82

| {{dow tooltip|April 23, 1989}}
3:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Atlanta

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904230DET.html W 99–81]

| Johnson (23)

| Rodman (13)

| Dumars (4)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 63–19

{{NBA game log end|bbr_team=DET|end_year=1989}}

=Playoffs=

{{NBA game log start|Detroit Pistons|end_year=1989|playoffs=yes|bgcolor=#0000FF|color=#FF0000}}

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF|Eastern Conference First Round|show=no|first=yes|playoffs=yes

| home_wins = 2

| home_losses = 0

| road_wins = 1

| road_losses = 0

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 1

| {{dow tooltip|April 28, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904280DET.html W 101–91]

| Dumars (25)

| Laimbeer (12)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 1–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 2

| {{dow tooltip|April 30, 1989}}
3:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198904300DET.html W 102–95]

| Thomas (26)

| Laimbeer (15)

| Thomas (8)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 2–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 3

| {{dow tooltip|May 2, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Boston

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905020BOS.html W 100–85]

| Johnson (25)

| Rodman (9)

| Thomas (10)

| Boston Garden
14,890

| 3–0

|-

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF|Eastern Conference Semifinals|show=no|playoffs=yes

| home_wins = 2

| home_losses = 0

| road_wins = 2

| road_losses = 0

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 1

| {{dow tooltip|May 10, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905100DET.html W 85–80]

| Laimbeer (19)

| Laimbeer (17)

| Dumars (6)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 1–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 2

| {{dow tooltip|May 12, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905120DET.html W 112–92]

| Salley (23)

| Rodman (13)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 2–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 3

| {{dow tooltip|May 14, 1989}}
3:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905140MIL.html W 110–90]

| Thomas (26)

| Laimbeer (11)

| Dumars (10)

| Bradley Center
18,633

| 3–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 4

| {{dow tooltip|May 15, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Milwaukee

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905150MIL.html W 96–94]

| Dumars (22)

| Thomas (10)

| Thomas (13)

| Bradley Center
18,633

| 4–0

|-

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF|Eastern Conference Finals|show=no|playoffs=yes

| home_wins = 2

| home_losses = 1

| road_wins = 2

| road_losses = 1

}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 1

| {{dow tooltip|May 21, 1989}}
1:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905210DET.html L 88–94]

| Mahorn (17)

| Laimbeer (15)

| Thomas (10)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 0–1

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 2

| {{dow tooltip|May 23, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905230DET.html W 100–91]

| Thomas (33)

| Rodman (12)

| Thomas (4)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 1–1

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

| 3

| {{dow tooltip|May 27, 1989}}
2:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905270CHI.html L 97–99]

| Aguirre (25)

| Rodman (13)

| Thomas (11)

| Chicago Stadium
18,676

| 1–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 4

| {{dow tooltip|May 29, 1989}}
3:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905290CHI.html W 86–80]

| Thomas (27)

| Rodman (18)

| Thomas (6)

| Chicago Stadium
18,676

| 2–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 5

| {{dow tooltip|May 31, 1989}}
8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905310DET.html W 94–85]

| Johnson (22)

| Rodman (14)

| Thomas (12)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 3–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 6

| {{dow tooltip|June 2, 1989}}
9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ Chicago

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198906020CHI.html W 103–94]

| Thomas (33)

| Rodman (15)

| Dumars (9)

| Chicago Stadium
18,676

| 4–2

|-

{{NBA game log section|Detroit Pistons|bgcolor=#FF0000|color=#0000FF|NBA Finals|show=no|playoffs=yes

| home_wins = 2

| home_losses = 0

| road_wins = 2

| road_losses = 0

}}

|-

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 1

| {{dow tooltip|June 6, 1989}}
9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| L.A. Lakers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198906060DET.html W 109–97]

| Thomas (24)

| Aguirre,
Rodman (10)

| Thomas (9)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 1–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 2

| {{dow tooltip|June 8, 1989}}
9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| L.A. Lakers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198906080DET.html W 108–105]

| Dumars (33)

| Aguirre (6)

| Thomas (7)

| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454

| 2–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 3

| {{dow tooltip|June 11, 1989}}
3:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ L.A. Lakers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198906110LAL.html W 114–110]

| Dumars (31)

| Rodman (19)

| Thomas (8)

| Great Western Forum
17,505

| 3–0

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

| 4

| {{dow tooltip|June 13, 1989}}
9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT

| @ L.A. Lakers

| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198906130LAL.html W 105–97]

| Dumars (23)

| Johnson,
Laimbeer (6)

| Dumars,
Johnson,
Thomas (5)

| Great Western Forum
17,505

| 4–0

|-

{{NBA game log end|bbr_team=DET|end_year=1989|playoffs=yes}}

Playoffs

After finishing with the best record in the NBA, the Pistons swept through the first two rounds of the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference finals, they faced the Chicago Bulls, whom they had defeated in the conference semifinals a year earlier. Although the Bulls were able to win two of the first three games, the Pistons' use of their "Jordan Rules" defense wore out Michael Jordan, setting up Detroit's second consecutive NBA Finals appearance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Game officials

=Pre season=

=Regular season=

class="wikitable"
style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Game

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Date

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Opponent

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Officials

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 1

| 11–4–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Chicago

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 40 Mike Lauerman

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 2

| 11–5–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Charlotte Hornets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Charlotte

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 3

| 11–8–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Philadelphia 76ers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Philadelphia

| No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 50 Lee Jones, No. 8 Lee Jones

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 4

| 11–9–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Atlanta Hawks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Atlanta

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 53 Jim Kinsey

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 5

| 11–11–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Boston

| No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 6

| 11–15–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Dallas Mavericks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Dallas

| No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 7

| 11–16–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|San Antonio Spurs|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ San Antonio

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 8

| 11–18–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Phoenix

| No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 14 Jack Madden

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 9

| 11–19–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Houston Rockets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Houston

| No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 10

| 11–22–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Charlotte Hornets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Charlotte

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 11

| 11–23–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|New York Knicks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | New York

| No. 63 Ted Bernhardt, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 12

| 11–26–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Lakers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | L.A. Lakers

| No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 4 Ed T. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 13

| 11–29–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Indiana Pacers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Indiana

| No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 44 Ron Olesiak

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 14

| 11–30–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Indiana Pacers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Indiana

| No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 10 Dareel Garretson, No. 23 Ron Garretson

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 15

| 12–2–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Washington Bullets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Washington

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 28 Tommy Nunez

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 16

| 12–4–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|New Jersey Nets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ New Jersey

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 17

| 12–6–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Milwaukee

| No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 24 Bill Saar, No. 57 Greg Willard

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 18

| 12–7–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Chicago

| No. 33 Joe Borgia, No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 8 Lee Jones

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 19

| 12–9–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Atlanta Hawks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Atlanta

| No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 54 Woody Mayfield

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 20

| 12–10–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Philadelphia 76ers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Philadelphia

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 28 Tommy Nunez, No. 39 Tommie Wood

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 21

| 12–14–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Milwaukee

| No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 22

| 12–15–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Cleveland Cavaliers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Cleveland

| No. 19 Jim Capers, No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 8 Lee Jomes

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 23

| 12–17–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Charlotte Hornets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Charlotte

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 24

| 12–20–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Miami Heat|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Miami

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 25

| 12–22–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|New York Knicks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ New York

| No. 28 Tommy Nunez, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 44 Ron Olesiak

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 26

| 12–28–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Phoenix

| No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 27

| 12–30–1988

! style="{{NBA color cell|Houston Rockets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Houston

| Ted Bernhardt, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 4 Ed T. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 28

| 1–3–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Atlanta Hawks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Atlanta

| No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 4 Ed T. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 29

| 1–6–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Atlanta Hawks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Atlanta

| No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 13 Mike Mathis, Mo. 39 Jess Thompson

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 30

| 1–7–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Indiana Pacers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Indiana

| No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 37 Blaine Reichelt

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 31

| 1–11–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|New York Knicks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | New York

| No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 44 Ron Olesiak

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 32

| 1–13–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Washington Bullets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Washington

| No. 26 Bob Delaney, Jim Huetter, No. 20 Jess Kersey

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 33

| 1–15–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Milwaukee

| No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 39 Jess Thompson

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 34

| 1–16–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Boston

| No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 14 Jack Madden

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 35

| 1–18–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|New Jersey Nets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | New Jersey

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 36

| 1–20–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Indiana Pacers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Indiana

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 53 Jim Kinsey

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 37

| 1–22–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Boston

| No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 38

| 1–25–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Golden State Warriors|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Golden State

| No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 39

| 1–27–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Cleveland Cavaliers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Cleveland

| No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 58 Derrick Stafford

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 40

| 1–29–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Sacramento Kings|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Sacramento

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 41

| 1–31–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Chicago

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 23 Ron Garretson, Rusty Herring

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 42

| 2–3–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Philadelphia 76ers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Philadelphia

| No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 55 George Toliver

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 43

| 2–5–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Chicago

| No. 33 Joe Borgia, No. 8 Lee Jones, No. 12 Earl Strom

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 44

| 2–8–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Milwaukee

| No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 13 Mike Mathis

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 45

| 2–14–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Lakers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ L.A. Lakers

| No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 24 Bill Saar, No. 56 Don Vaden

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 46

| 2–16–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Sacramento Kings|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Sacramento

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 47

| 2–18–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Golden State Warriors|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Golden State

| No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 58 Derrick Stafford

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 48

| 2–20–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Denver Nuggets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Denver

| Jim Huetter, No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 12 Earl Strom

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 49

| 2–22–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Portland Trail Blazers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Portland

| No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 50

| 2–25–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|New Jersey Nets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ New Jersey

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 51

| 2–26–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Clippers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | L.A. Clippers

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 52

| 2–28–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Cleveland Cavaliers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Cleveland

| No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 58 Derrick Stafford

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 53

| 3–1–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Utah Jazz|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Utah

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 56 Don Vaden

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 54

| 3–3–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Cleveland Cavaliers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Cleveland

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 28 Tommy Nunez

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 55

| 3–5–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Miami Heat|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Miami

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 56

| 3–6–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Denver Nuggets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Denver

| No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 57

| 3–8–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Seattle SuperSonics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Seattle

| Jim Huetter, No. 8 Lee Jones, No. 12 Earl Strom

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 58

| 3–11–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Philadelphia 76ers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Philadelphia

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 40 Mike Lauerman

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 59

| 3–12–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Washington Bullets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Washington

| No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 39 Jess Thompson

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 60

| 3–14–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Indiana Pacers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Indiana

| Rusty Herring, No. 42 Hue Holline, No. 18 Ed Middleton

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 61

| 3–17–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Boston

| No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 21 Bill Oakes

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 62

| 3–18–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Milwaukee

| No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 4 Ed T. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 63

| 3–21–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Atlanta Hawks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Atlanta

| No. 20 Jess Jersey, No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 16 Wally Rooney

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 64

| 3–22–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|San Antonio Spurs|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | San Antonio

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 65

| 3–24–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|New Jersey Nets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | New Jersey

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 66

| 3–25–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Charlotte Hornets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Charlotte

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 67

| 3–27–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Dallas Mavericks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Dallas

| No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 34 Ronnie Nunn

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 68

| 3–29–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Utah Jazz|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Utah

| No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 69

| 3–31–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Seattle SuperSonics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Seattle

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 44 Ron Olesiak, No. 37 Blaine Reichelt

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 70

| 4–2–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Clippers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ L.A. Clippers

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 71

| 4–4–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Portland Trail Blazers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Portland

| No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 13 Mike Mathis

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 72

| 4–6–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Chicago

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 29 Steve Javie

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 73

| 4–7–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Chicago

| No. 19 Jim Capers, No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 28 Tommy Nunez

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 74

| 4–9–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Milwaukee

| No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 12 Earl Strom

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 75

| 4–10–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Washington Bullets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Washington

| No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 40 Mike Lauerman

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 76

| 4–12–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Cleveland Cavaliers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Cleveland

| No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 77

| 4–14–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|New York Knicks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ New York

| No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 78

| 4–16–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Washington Bullets|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Washington

| No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 35 Jack Nies

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 79

| 4–18–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Cleveland Cavaliers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Cleveland

| No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 4 Ed T. Rush

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 80

| 4–19–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Indiana Pacers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Indiana

| No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 54 Woody Mayfield

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 81

| 4–21–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Philadelphia 76ers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Philadelphia

| No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 34 Ronnie Nunn

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 82

| 4–23–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Atlanta Hawks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Atlanta

| No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell

=Playoffs=

class="wikitable"
style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Game

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Round

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Date

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Opponent

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Officials

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Alternate

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 1

| Eastern Conference First Round

| 4–28–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Boston

| No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 18 Ed Middleton

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 2

| Eastern Conference First Round

| 4–30–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Boston

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 23 Ron Garretson, No. 21 Bill Oakes

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 3

| Eastern Conference First Round

| 5–2–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Boston Celtics|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Boston

| No. 4 Ed T. Rush, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 1

| Eastern Conference Semifinals

| 5–10–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Milwaukee

| No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 28 Tommy Nunez

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 2

| Eastern Conference Semifinals

| 5–12–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Milwaukee

| No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 3

| Eastern Conference Semifinals

| 5–14–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Milwaukee

| No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 29 Steve Javie

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 4

| Eastern Conference Semifinals

| 5–15–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Milwaukee Bucks|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Milwaukee

| No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 7 Bernie Fryer

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 1

| Eastern Conference Finals

| 5–21–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Chicago

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 28 Tommy Nunez

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 2

| Eastern Conference Finals

| 5–23–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Chicago

| No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 24 Bill Saar

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 3

| Eastern Conference Finals

| 5–27–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Chicago

| No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 4 Ed T. Rush, No. 21 Bill Oakes

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 4

| Eastern Conference Finals

| 5–29–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Chicago

| No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 16 Wally Rooney

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 5

| Eastern Conference Finals

| 5–31–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | Chicago

| No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 27 Dick Bavetta

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 6

| Eastern Conference Finals

| 6–2–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ Chicago

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 12 Earl Strom

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 1

| NBA Finals

| 6–6–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Lakers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | L.A. Lakers

| No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 2

| NBA Finals

| 6–8–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Lakers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | L.A. Lakers

| No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 42 Hue Hollins

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 3

| NBA Finals

| 6–11–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Lakers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ L.A. Lakers

| No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 4 Ed T. Rush

|

align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"

! style="{{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | 4

| NBA Finals

| 6–13–1989

! style="{{NBA color cell|Los Angeles Lakers|year=1988–89|border=2}};" | @ L.A. Lakers

| No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 12 Earl Strom

|

Player stats

{{NBA roster statistics legend}}

=Regular season=

class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; white-space:nowrap;"
style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="10%" | Player

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | GP

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | GS

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | MPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | FG%

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | 3P%

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | FT%

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | RPG

! style="background:#00519a;nab;" width="6%" | APG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | SPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | BPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | PPG

{{sort|Aguirre, Mark|Mark Aguirre}}

| 36

3229.7.483.293.7384.22.5.44.1915.5
{{sort|Dantley, Adrian|Adrian Dantley}}

| 42

4231.9.521.000.8393.92.2.55.14style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 18.4
{{sort|Dawkins, Darryl|Darryl Dawkins}}

| 14

03.4.474.000.500.5.1.00.071.9
{{sort|Dembo, Fennis|Fennis Dembo}}

| 31

02.4.333.000.800.7.2.03.001.2
{{sort|Dumars, Joe|Joe Dumars}}

| 69

6734.9.505style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | .483.8502.55.7.91.0717.2
{{sort|Edwards, James|James Edwards}}

| 76

116.5.500.000.6863.0.6.14.417.3
{{sort|Harris, Steve|Steve Harris}}

| 3

02.3.250.000style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.7.0.33.001.3
{{sort|Johnson, Vinnie|Vinnie Johnson}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 82

2125.3.464.295.7343.13.0.90.2113.8
{{sort|Laimbeer, Bill|Bill Laimbeer}}

| 81

style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 8132.6.499.349.840style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 9.62.2.63style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.2313.7
{{sort|Long, John|John Long}}

| 24

16.3.475.000.846.5.6.00.082.0
{{sort|Mahorn, Rick|Rick Mahorn}}

| 72

6124.9.517.000.7486.9.8.56.927.2
{{sort|Mannion, Pace|Pace Mannion}}

| 5

02.8style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.000.000.6.0.20.00.8
{{sort|Rodman, Dennis|Dennis Rodman}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 82

826.9.595.231.6269.41.2.67.939.0
{{sort|Rowinski, Jim|Jim Rowinski}}

| 6

01.3.000.000style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.3.0.00.00.7
{{sort|Salley, John|John Salley}}

| 67

2121.8.498.000.6925.01.1.601.077.0
{{sort|Thomas, Isiah|Isiah Thomas}}

| 80

76style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 36.6.464.273.8183.4style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 8.3style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.66.2518.2
{{sort|Williams, Micheal|Micheal Williams}}

| 49

07.3.364.222.660.61.4.27.062.6

=Playoffs=

class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; white-space:nowrap;"
style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="10%" | Player

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | GP

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | GS

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | MPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | FG%

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | 3P%

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | FT%

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | RPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | APG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | SPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | BPG

! style="background:#00519a;color:white;" width="6%" | PPG

{{sort|Aguirre, Mark|Mark Aguirre}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

style="background:#eb003c;color:white;"| 1727.2.489.276.7374.41.6.47.1812.6
{{sort|Dembo, Fennis|Fennis Dembo}}

| 2

02.0style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.000.000.0.0.00.001.0
{{sort|Dumars, Joe|Joe Dumars}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

style="background:#eb003c;color:white;"| 1736.5.455.083.8612.65.6.71.0617.6
{{sort|Edwards, James|James Edwards}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

018.6.471.000.7842.1.7.06.477.1
{{sort|Johnson, Vinnie|Vinnie Johnson}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

021.9.455style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | .417.7582.62.5.24.1814.1
{{sort|Laimbeer, Bill|Bill Laimbeer}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

style="background:#eb003c;color:white;"| 1729.2.465.357.8068.21.8.35.4710.1
{{sort|Long, John|John Long}}

| 4

02.0style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.000style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.0.0.00.001.2
{{sort|Mahorn, Rick|Rick Mahorn}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

style="background:#eb003c;color:white;"| 1721.2.580.000.6545.1.4.53.765.7
{{sort|Rodman, Dennis|Dennis Rodman}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

024.1.529.000.686style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 10.0.9.35.715.8
{{sort|Salley, John|John Salley}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

023.1.586.000.6674.6.5.53style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.478.9
{{sort|Thomas, Isiah|Isiah Thomas}}

| style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 17

style="background:#eb003c;color:white;"| 17style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 37.2.412.267.7404.3style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 8.3style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.59.24style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 18.2
{{sort|Williams, Micheal|Micheal Williams}}

| 4

01.5.000.000style="background:#eb003c;color:white;" | 1.000.5.5.25.00.5

Player Statistics Citation:

NBA Finals

{{main|1989 NBA Finals}}

The Pistons' overpowering play allowed them to sweep the Lakers, who struggled to fill the defensive void left by Byron Scott's injury prior to the start of the Finals. Joe Dumars was named Finals MVP. In addition, Magic Johnson pulled a hamstring early in the second game, and unable to play the rest of the series. The Lakers' depleted backcourt allowed the Pistons to easily win the 1988–89 NBA Championship.

class="wikitable"
GameHome TeamRoad Teamseries
Game 1Detroit 109L.A. Lakers 971–0
Game 2Detroit 108L.A. Lakers 1052–0
Game 3:L.A. Lakers 110Detroit 1143–0
Game 4:L.A. Lakers 97Detroit 1054–0

Pistons win series 4–0

Award winners

External links

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20071112003606/http://databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=DET&lg=n&yr=1988 Detroit Pistons on Database Basketball]
  • [https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html Detroit Pistons on Basketball Reference]

References

{{reflist}}

{{Detroit Pistons 1988-89 NBA champions}}

{{1988-89 NBA season by team}}

{{NBA Champions}}

{{Detroit Pistons seasons}}

{{NBA10T}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1988-89 Detroit Pistons Season}}

Det

Category:Detroit Pistons seasons

Category:Eastern Conference (NBA) championship seasons

Category:NBA championship seasons

Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons