# 1988–89 Detroit Pistons season

The 1988–89 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons' 41st season in the NBA and 32nd season in the Detroit metropolitan area. 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, and held a 31–13 record at the All-Star break. However, Adrian Dantley was unhappy with his role on the team, losing playing time to Dennis Rodman at the small forward position. 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; 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. 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.
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, 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. 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, and in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, and head coach Chuck Daly finished in fourth place in Coach of the Year voting.
In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Pistons swept the Boston Celtics in three straight games, then swept the 5th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in four straight games in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals. 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, 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. This series was a rematch from last year's NBA Finals, with the Pistons avenging their NBA Finals loss.
Following the season, Mahorn was left unprotected in the 1989 NBA Expansion Draft, where he was selected by the newly expansion Minnesota Timberwolves. However, Mahorn never played for the Timberwolves due to a contract dispute, as he was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers soon after. 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

| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
| 2 | 30 | Fennis Dembo | Forward | United States | Wyoming |
| 2 | 48 | Micheal Williams | Guard | United States | Baylor |

## 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

| Central Divisionvte | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div |
| y-Detroit Pistons | 63 | 19 | .768 | – | 37–4 | 26–15 | 20–10 |
| x-Cleveland Cavaliers | 57 | 25 | .695 | 6 | 37–4 | 20–21 | 19–11 |
| x-Atlanta Hawks | 52 | 30 | .634 | 11 | 33–8 | 19–22 | 20–10 |
| x-Milwaukee Bucks | 49 | 33 | .598 | 14 | 31–10 | 18–23 | 11–19 |
| x-Chicago Bulls | 47 | 35 | .573 | 16 | 30–11 | 17–24 | 12–18 |
| Indiana Pacers | 28 | 54 | .341 | 35 | 20–21 | 8–33 | 8–22 |
| # | Eastern Conferencevte | Eastern Conferencevte | Eastern Conferencevte | Eastern Conferencevte | Eastern Conferencevte |
| # | Team | W | L | PCT | GB |
| 1 | z-Detroit Pistons | 63 | 19 | .768 | – |
| 2 | y-New York Knicks | 52 | 30 | .634 | 11 |
| 3 | x-Cleveland Cavaliers | 57 | 25 | .695 | 6 |
| 4 | x-Atlanta Hawks | 52 | 30 | .634 | 11 |
| 5 | x-Milwaukee Bucks | 49 | 33 | .598 | 14 |
| 6 | x-Chicago Bulls | 47 | 35 | .573 | 16 |
| 7 | x-Philadelphia 76ers | 46 | 36 | .561 | 17 |
| 8 | x-Boston Celtics | 42 | 40 | .512 | 21 |
| 9 | Washington Bullets | 40 | 42 | .488 | 23 |
| 10 | Indiana Pacers | 28 | 54 | .341 | 35 |
| 11 | New Jersey Nets | 26 | 56 | .317 | 37 |
| 12 | Charlotte Hornets | 20 | 62 | .244 | 43 |

### Record vs. opponents

1988–89 NBA Records :
| Team | ATL | BOS | CHA | CHI | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GSW | HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MIA | MIL | NJN | NYK | PHI | PHO | POR | SAC | SAS | SEA | UTA | WAS |
| Atlanta | — | 3–1 | 4–1 | 4–2 | 4–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 5–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 6–0 | 4–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 |
| Boston | 1–3 | — | 6–0 | 1–3 | 1–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 5–1 | 3–3 | 3–3 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–4 |
| Charlotte | 1–4 | 0–6 | — | 1–4 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–5 |
| Chicago | 2–4 | 3–1 | 4–1 | — | 0–6 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–6 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 6–0 | 2–2 | 3–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 |
| Cleveland | 2–4 | 4–1 | 4–0 | 6–0 | — | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 5–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–3 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 |
| Dallas | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | — | 3–3 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–5 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 6–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 5–1 | 2–2 | 4–2 | 1–1 |
| Denver | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–3 | — | 1–1 | 3–1 | 4–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 5–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 3–3 | 2–2 | 3–3 | 1–1 |
| Detroit | 5–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 6–0 | 3–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | — | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–4 | 4–0 | 0–4 | 5–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 5–0 |
| Golden State | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | — | 1–3 | 1–1 | 5–1 | 2–3 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–3 | 3–1 | 2–4 | 2–2 | 1–1 |
| Houston | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 5–1 | 2–4 | 1–1 | 3–1 | — | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 4–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 6–0 | 2–2 | 2–4 | 0–2 |
| Indiana | 1–5 | 3–2 | 2–2 | 2–4 | 1–5 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–4 | 1–1 | 0–2 | — | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–4 | 1–3 | 0–5 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 |
| L.A. Clippers | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 2–2 | 1–1 | — | 1–5 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 1–5 | 2–3 | 3–1 | 1–4 | 1–3 | 0–2 |
| L.A. Lakers | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 3–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 5–1 | — | 4–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–3 | 5–0 | 5–1 | 3–1 | 4–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 |
| Miami | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–6 | 1–5 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 2–4 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 0–4 | — | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 2–4 | 0–4 | 1–5 | 0–2 |
| Milwaukee | 0–6 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 0–6 | 3–3 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 4–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | — | 4–1 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–1 |
| New Jersey | 1–4 | 1–5 | 4–2 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–4 | — | 2–4 | 1–5 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–5 |
| New York | 2–2 | 3–3 | 4–2 | 2–3 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 5–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 4–2 | — | 2–4 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 5–1 |
| Philadelphia | 2–2 | 3–3 | 3–3 | 3–1 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–5 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 5–1 | 4–2 | — | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–2 |
| Phoenix | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 4–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 5–1 | 3–3 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | — | 2–3 | 5–1 | 3–1 | 4–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 |
| Portland | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 4–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 5–1 | 0–5 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–2 | — | 3–3 | 4–0 | 2–4 | 0–4 | 1–1 |
| Sacramento | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 3–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 1–5 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 3–3 | — | 2–2 | 1–5 | 1–3 | 0–2 |
| San Antonio | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–5 | 3–3 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–6 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 4–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 2–2 | — | 0–4 | 1–5 | 1–1 |
| Seattle | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 4–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2–4 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–4 | 4–2 | 5–1 | 4–0 | — | 3–1 | 1–1 |
| Utah | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–4 | 3–3 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 4–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 5–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 5–1 | 1–3 | — | 2–0 |
| Washington | 1–3 | 4–2 | 5–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–5 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–4 | 5–1 | 1–5 | 2–4 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | — |

## Game log
### Regular season

1988–89 game log Total: 63–19 (Home: 37–4; Road: 26–15) :
November: 11–3 (home: 4–1; road: 7–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
1
November 4 8:30 p.m. EST
@ Chicago
W 107–94
Dantley (22)
Mahorn (10)
Thomas (14)
Chicago Stadium 18,420
1–0
2
November 5 7:30 p.m. EST
Charlotte
W 94–85
Dantley (18)
Laimbeer (12)
Dumars, Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
2–0
3
November 8 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Philadelphia
W 116–109
Dumars (30)
Laimbeer (11)
Dumars, Thomas (9)
The Spectrum 10,115
3–0
4
November 9 7:30 p.m. EST
Atlanta
W 101–95
Thomas (21)
Laimbeer (13)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
4–0
5
November 11 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Boston
W 116–107
Dantley (31)
Mahorn (6)
Thomas (10)
Boston Garden 14,890
5–0
6
November 15 8:30 p.m. EST
@ Dallas
W 108–99
Laimbeer (23)
Laimbeer (21)
Thomas (12)
Reunion Arena 17,007
6–0
7
November 16 8:30 p.m. EST
@ San Antonio
W 94–88
Dumars (20)
Mahorn (10)
Thomas (8)
HemisFair Arena 11,991
7–0
8
November 18 9:30 p.m. EST
@ Phoenix
W 121–105
Dumars (31)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (11)
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 14,471
8–0
9
November 19 8:30 p.m. EST
@ Houston
L 98–109
Thomas (26)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (6)
The Summit 16,611
8–1
10
November 22 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Charlotte
W 99–93
Dumars (26)
Mahorn (10)
Thomas (8)
Charlotte Coliseum 23,389
9–1
11
November 23 7:30 p.m. EST
New York
L 111–133
Dantley (25)
Laimbeer, Rodman (9)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
9–2
12
November 26 8:30 p.m. EST
L.A. Lakers
W 102–99
Dumars (20)
Mahorn (11)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
10–2
13
November 29 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Indiana
L 98–107
Laimbeer (22)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (12)
Market Square Arena 10,275
10–3
14
November 30 7:30 p.m. EST
Indiana
W 114–111
Thomas (36)
Laimbeer (9)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
11–3 :
December: 9–4 (home: 6–1; road: 3–3)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
15
December 2 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Washington
W 120–114
Dantley (28)
Mahorn (8)
Thomas (10)
Capital Centre 12,606
12–3
16
December 4 7:30 p.m. EST
@ New Jersey
W 102–99
Dantley (21)
Mahorn (12)
Thomas (8)
Brendan Byrne Arena 12,517
13–3
17
December 6 8:30 p.m. EST
@ Milwaukee
L 84–109
Dantley (17)
Laimbeer (6)
Laimbeer (6)
Bradley Center 15,619
13–4
18
December 7 7:30 p.m. EST
Chicago
W 102–89
Dantley (31)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (13)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
14–4
19
December 9 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Atlanta
W 92–82
Dumars (24)
Laimbeer, Rodman, Salley (8)
Dumars (6)
The Omni 16,374
15–4
20
December 10 7:30 p.m. EST
Philadelphia
W 106–100
Thomas (37)
Laimbeer (15)
Laimbeer (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
16–4
21
December 14 7:30 p.m. EST
Milwaukee
L 110–119
Dantley (22)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
16–5
22
December 15 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Cleveland
L 98–119
Dumars (16)
Rodman (10)
Williams (7)
Richfield Coliseum 18,718
16–6
23
December 17 7:30 p.m. EST
Charlotte
W 100–91
Thomas (25)
Mahorn (12)
Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
17–6
24
December 20 7:30 p.m. EST
Miami
W 116–100
Johnson (22)
Rodman (9)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
18–6
25
December 22 7:30 p.m. EST
@ New York
L 85–88
Johnson (19)
Mahorn (14)
Yhomas (7)
Madison Square Garden 19,591
18–7
26
December 28 7:30 p.m. EST
Phoenix
W 106–100
Dantley (24)
Rodman (14)
Dumars (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
19–7
27
December 30 8:00 p.m. EST
Houston
W 95–83
Dumars (28)
Laimbeer, Mahorn (13)
Dantley, Laimbeer, Thomas (5)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
20–7 :
January: 8–6 (home: 7–2; road: 1–4)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
28
January 3 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Atlanta
L 104–123
Thomas (28)
Rodman (8)
Thomas (6)
The Omni 16,371
20–8
29
January 6 8:00 p.m. EST
Atlanta
W 111–88
Laimbeer, Thomas (19)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
21–8
30
January 7 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Indiana
L 99–113
Thomas (31)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (8)
Market Square Arena 16,105
21–9
31
January 11 7:30 p.m. EST
New York
L 93–100
Laimbeer (21)
Rodman (10)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
21–10
32
January 13 8:00 p.m. EST
Washington
W 119–103
Dantley (35)
Laimbeer (14)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
22–10
33
January 15 2:30 p.m. EST
@ Milwaukee
L 112–120
Thomas (25)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (13)
Bradley Center 18,633
22–11
34
January 16 7:30 p.m. EST
Boston
W 96–87
Johnson (21)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
23–11
35
January 18 7:30 p.m. EST
New Jersey
W 103–90
Dantley (24)
Rodman (16)
Johnson, Thomas (6)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
24–11
36
January 20 8:00 p.m. EST
Indiana
W 132–99
Laimbeer (27)
Laimbeer, Rodman (11)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
25–11
37
January 22 12 Noon EST
@ Boston
L 99–112
Thomas (26)
Salley (11)
Salley, Thomas (5)
Boston Garden 14,890
25–12
38
January 25 7:30 p.m. EST
Golden State
W 105–104
Thomas (27)
Rodman (16)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
26–12
39
January 27 8:00 p.m. EST
Cleveland
L 79–80
Johnson, Thomas (22)
Rodman (17)
Thomas (5)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
26–13
40
January 29 7:00 p.m. EST
Sacramento
W 122–97
Rodman (24)
Rodman (16)
Thomas (15)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
27–13
41
January 31 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Chicago
W 104–98 (OT)
Thomas (34)
Rodman (14)
Dantley (8)
Chicago Stadium 18,288
28–13 :
February: 8–3 (home: 4–0; road: 4–3)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
42
February 3 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Philadelphia
W 124–106
Dantley (33)
Laimbeer, Salley, Thomas (7)
Thomas (7)
The Spectrum 15,268
29–13
43
February 5 2:00 p.m. EST
Chicago
W 113–102
Johnson (27)
Rodman (13)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
30–13
44
February 8 7:30 p.m. EST
Milwaukee
W 107–96
Laimbeer (22)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (14)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
31–13
All-Star Break
45
February 14 10:30 p.m. EST
@ L.A. Lakers
W 111–103
Dumars, Thomas (23)
Rodman (15)
Thomas (15)
Great Western Forum 17,505
32–13
46
February 16 10:30 p.m. EST
@ Sacramento
W 95–84
Dumars, Johnson, Laimbeer (20)
Rodman (15)
Thomas (14)
ARCO Arena 16,517
33–13
47
February 18 10:00 p.m. EST
@ Golden State
L 119–121 (OT)
Laimbeer, Rodman (32)
Rodman (21)
Thomas (13)
Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena 15,025
33–14
48
February 20 4:00 p.m. EST
@ Denver
L 101–103
Johnson (21)
Laimbeer (16)
Thomas (10)
McNichols Sports Arena 17,022
33–15
49
February 22 7:30 p.m. EST
Portland
W 105–94
Dumars (19)
Rodman (15)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
34–15
50
February 25 7:30 p.m. EST
@ New Jersey
W 113–95
Aguirre (31)
Mahorn (9)
Dumars (10)
Brendan Byrne Arena 20,049
35–15
51
February 26 7:00 p.m. EST
L.A. Clippers
W 110–98
Thomas (21)
Rodman (13)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
36–15
52
February 28 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Cleveland
L 99–115
Aguirre, Thomas (28)
Rodman (11)
Thomas (13)
Richfield Coliseum 20,246
36–16 :
March: 16–1 (home: 9–0; road: 7–1)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
53
March 1 7:30 p.m. EST
Utah
W 96–85
Johnson (34)
Laimbeer (13)
Dumars (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
37–16
54
March 3 8:00 p.m. EST
Cleveland
W 96–90
Laimbeer (24)
Laimbeer (14)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
38–16
55
March 5 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Miami
W 109–100
Johnson, Thomas (22)
Rodman (10)
Thomas (8)
Miami Arena 15,008
39–16
56
March 6 7:30 p.m. EST
Denver
W 129–116
Dumars (25)
Mahorn (19)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
40–16
57
March 8 7:30 p.m. EST
Seattle
W 112–96
Thomas (27)
Laimbeer (19)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
41–16
58
March 11 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Philadelphia
W 111–106
Thomas (34)
Laimbeer (16)
Thomas (8)
The Spectrum 17,678
42–16
59
March 12 7:00 p.m. EST
Washington
W 110–104
Laimbeer (24)
Laimbeer (16)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
43–16
60
March 14 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Indiana
W 129–117
Dumars (30)
Johnson (7)
Dumars (8)
Market Square Arena 12,031
44–16
61
March 17 8:00 p.m. EST
Boston
W 106–98
Johnson (30)
Laimbeer, Rodman (10)
Dumars (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
45–16
62
March 18 9:00 p.m. EST
@ Milwaukee
L 100–117
Aguirre, Johnson (14)
Rodman (13)
Dumars (9)
Bradley Center 18,633
45–17
63
March 21 8:00 p.m. EST
@ Atlanta
W 110–95
Thomas (26)
Laimbeer (12)
Dumars (9)
The Omni 16,371
46–17
64
March 22 7:30 p.m. EST
San Antonio
W 115–94
Laimbeer (21)
Laimbeer (10)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
47–17
65
March 24 8:00 p.m. EST
New Jersey
W 112–96
Dumars (35)
Aguirre (11)
Thomas (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
48–17
66
March 25 7:30 p.m. EST
@ Charlotte
W 113–101
Dumars (18)
Laimbeer (11)
Thomas (6)
Charlotte Coliseum 23,388
49–17
67
March 27 7:30 p.m. EST
Dallas
W 90–77
Thomas (30)
Laimbeer, Rodman (11)
Dumars (6)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
50–17
68
March 29 9:30 p.m. EST
@ Utah
W 108–104
Thomas (25)
Mahorn (11)
Thomas (8)
Salt Palace 12,444
51–17
69
March 31 10:00 p.m. EST
@ Seattle
W 111–108
Dumars (27)
Rodman (7)
Dumars, Thomas (4)
Seattle Center Coliseum 14,810
52–17 :
April: 11–2 (home: 7–0; road: 4–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
70
April 2 9:00 p.m. EDT
@ L.A. Clippers
W 117–101
Dumars (23)
Laimbeer (18)
Dumars, Thomas (7)
Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 14,309
54–16
71
April 4 10:30 p.m. EDT
@ Portland
L 100–118
Rodman (16)
Rodman (18)
Dumars (6)
Memorial Coliseum 12,880
53–18
72
April 6 7:30 p.m. EDT
Chicago
W 115–108
Dumars (20)
Laimbeer (22)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
54–18
73
April 7 8:00 p.m. EDT
@ Chicago
W 114–112 (OT)
Johnson (30)
Mahorn (11)
Dumars, Johnson (8)
Chicago Stadium 18,678
55–18
74
April 9 7:00 p.m. EDT
Milwaukee
W 100–91
Aguirre (20)
Aguirre (11)
Dumars (13)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
56–18
75
April 10 7:30 p.m. EDT
@ Washington
W 124–100
Laimbeer (27)
Laimbeer (11)
Dumars (11)
Capital Centre 11,305
57–18
76
April 12 7:30 p.m. EDT
Cleveland
W 107–95
Johnson (31)
Mahorn (11)
Dumars (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
58–18
77
April 14 8:00 p.m. EDT
@ New York
L 100–104
Laimbeer (19)
Rodman (10)
Dumars (8)
Madison Square Garden 19,591
58–19
78
April 16 7:00 p.m. EDT
Washington
W 104–98
Aguirre (19)
Laimbeer (10)
Dumars, Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
59–19
79
April 18 7:30 p.m. EDT
@ Cleveland
W 118–102
Dumars (42)
Mahorn (11)
Dumars (11)
Richfield Coliseum 20,273
60–19
80
April 19 7:30 p.m. EDT
Indiana
W 115–105
Dumars (20)
Rodman (14)
Dumars (11)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
61–19
81
April 21 8:00 p.m. EDT
Philadelphia
W 100–91
Aguirre (22)
Mahorn (9)
Dumars (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
62–19
82
April 23 3:30 p.m. EDT
Atlanta
W 99–81
Johnson (23)
Rodman (13)
Dumars (4)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
63–19 :
1988–89 schedule :

### Playoffs

1989 playoff game log :
Eastern Conference First Round: 3–0 (home: 2–0; road: 1–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
April 28 8:00 p.m. EDT
Boston
W 101–91
Dumars (25)
Laimbeer (12)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
1–0
2
April 30 3:30 p.m. EDT
Boston
W 102–95
Thomas (26)
Laimbeer (15)
Thomas (8)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
2–0
3
May 2 8:00 p.m. EDT
@ Boston
W 100–85
Johnson (25)
Rodman (9)
Thomas (10)
Boston Garden 14,890
3–0 :
Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
May 10 8:00 p.m. EDT
Milwaukee
W 85–80
Laimbeer (19)
Laimbeer (17)
Dumars (6)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
1–0
2
May 12 8:00 p.m. EDT
Milwaukee
W 112–92
Salley (23)
Rodman (13)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
2–0
3
May 14 3:30 p.m. EDT
@ Milwaukee
W 110–90
Thomas (26)
Laimbeer (11)
Dumars (10)
Bradley Center 18,633
3–0
4
May 15 8:00 p.m. EDT
@ Milwaukee
W 96–94
Dumars (22)
Thomas (10)
Thomas (13)
Bradley Center 18,633
4–0 :
Eastern Conference Finals: 4–2 (home: 2–1; road: 2–1)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
May 21 1:00 p.m. EDT
Chicago
L 88–94
Mahorn (17)
Laimbeer (15)
Thomas (10)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
0–1
2
May 23 8:00 p.m. EDT
Chicago
W 100–91
Thomas (33)
Rodman (12)
Thomas (4)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
1–1
3
May 27 2:00 p.m. EDT
@ Chicago
L 97–99
Aguirre (25)
Rodman (13)
Thomas (11)
Chicago Stadium 18,676
1–2
4
May 29 3:00 p.m. EDT
@ Chicago
W 86–80
Thomas (27)
Rodman (18)
Thomas (6)
Chicago Stadium 18,676
2–2
5
May 31 8:00 p.m. EDT
Chicago
W 94–85
Johnson (22)
Rodman (14)
Thomas (12)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
3–2
6
June 2 9:00 p.m. EDT
@ Chicago
W 103–94
Thomas (33)
Rodman (15)
Dumars (9)
Chicago Stadium 18,676
4–2 :
NBA Finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
June 6 9:00 p.m. EDT
L.A. Lakers
W 109–97
Thomas (24)
Aguirre, Rodman (10)
Thomas (9)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
1–0
2
June 8 9:00 p.m. EDT
L.A. Lakers
W 108–105
Dumars (33)
Aguirre (6)
Thomas (7)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
2–0
3
June 11 3:30 p.m. EDT
@ L.A. Lakers
W 114–110
Dumars (31)
Rodman (19)
Thomas (8)
Great Western Forum 17,505
3–0
4
June 13 9:00 p.m. EDT
@ L.A. Lakers
W 105–97
Dumars (23)
Johnson, Laimbeer (6)
Dumars, Johnson, Thomas (5)
Great Western Forum 17,505
4–0 :
1989 schedule :

## 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
### Regular season

| Game | Date | Opponent | Officials |
| 1 | 11–4–1988 | @ Chicago | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 40 Mike Lauerman |
| 2 | 11–5–1988 | Charlotte | |
| 3 | 11–8–1988 | @ Philadelphia | No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 50 Lee Jones, No. 8 Lee Jones |
| 4 | 11–9–1988 | Atlanta | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 53 Jim Kinsey |
| 5 | 11–11–1988 | @ Boston | No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore |
| 6 | 11–15–1988 | @ Dallas | No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 7 | 11–16–1988 | @ San Antonio | |
| 8 | 11–18–1988 | @ Phoenix | No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 14 Jack Madden |
| 9 | 11–19–1988 | @ Houston | No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter |
| 10 | 11–22–1988 | @ Charlotte | |
| 11 | 11–23–1988 | New York | No. 63 Ted Bernhardt, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 12 | 11–26–1988 | L.A. Lakers | No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 4 Ed T. Rush |
| 13 | 11–29–1988 | @ Indiana | No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 44 Ron Olesiak |
| 14 | 11–30–1988 | Indiana | No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 10 Dareel Garretson, No. 23 Ron Garretson |
| 15 | 12–2–1988 | @ Washington | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 28 Tommy Nunez |
| 16 | 12–4–1988 | @ New Jersey | |
| 17 | 12–6–1988 | @ Milwaukee | No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 24 Bill Saar, No. 57 Greg Willard |
| 18 | 12–7–1988 | Chicago | No. 33 Joe Borgia, No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 8 Lee Jones |
| 19 | 12–9–1988 | @ Atlanta | No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 54 Woody Mayfield |
| 20 | 12–10–1988 | Philadelphia | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 28 Tommy Nunez, No. 39 Tommie Wood |
| 21 | 12–14–1988 | Milwaukee | No. 25 Hugh Evans, Jim Huetter, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 22 | 12–15–1988 | @ Cleveland | No. 19 Jim Capers, No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 8 Lee Jomes |
| 23 | 12–17–1988 | Charlotte | |
| 24 | 12–20–1988 | Miami | |
| 25 | 12–22–1988 | @ New York | No. 28 Tommy Nunez, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 44 Ron Olesiak |
| 26 | 12–28–1988 | Phoenix | No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell |
| 27 | 12–30–1988 | Houston | Ted Bernhardt, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 4 Ed T. Rush |
| 28 | 1–3–1989 | @ Atlanta | No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 4 Ed T. Rush |
| 29 | 1–6–1989 | Atlanta | No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 13 Mike Mathis, Mo. 39 Jess Thompson |
| 30 | 1–7–1989 | @ Indiana | No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 37 Blaine Reichelt |
| 31 | 1–11–1989 | New York | No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 44 Ron Olesiak |
| 32 | 1–13–1989 | Washington | No. 26 Bob Delaney, Jim Huetter, No. 20 Jess Kersey |
| 33 | 1–15–1989 | @ Milwaukee | No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 39 Jess Thompson |
| 34 | 1–16–1989 | Boston | No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 14 Jack Madden |
| 35 | 1–18–1989 | New Jersey | |
| 36 | 1–20–1989 | Indiana | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 53 Jim Kinsey |
| 37 | 1–22–1989 | @ Boston | No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 38 | 1–25–1989 | Golden State | No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore |
| 39 | 1–27–1989 | Cleveland | No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 58 Derrick Stafford |
| 40 | 1–29–1989 | Sacramento | |
| 41 | 1–31–1989 | @ Chicago | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 23 Ron Garretson, Rusty Herring |
| 42 | 2–3–1989 | @ Philadelphia | No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 55 George Toliver |
| 43 | 2–5–1989 | Chicago | No. 33 Joe Borgia, No. 8 Lee Jones, No. 12 Earl Strom |
| 44 | 2–8–1989 | Milwaukee | No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 13 Mike Mathis |
| 45 | 2–14–1989 | @ L.A. Lakers | No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 24 Bill Saar, No. 56 Don Vaden |
| 46 | 2–16–1989 | @ Sacramento | |
| 47 | 2–18–1989 | @ Golden State | No. 40 Mike Lauerman, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 58 Derrick Stafford |
| 48 | 2–20–1989 | @ Denver | Jim Huetter, No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 12 Earl Strom |
| 49 | 2–22–1989 | Portland | No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore |
| 50 | 2–25–1989 | @ New Jersey | |
| 51 | 2–26–1989 | L.A. Clippers | |
| 52 | 2–28–1989 | @ Cleveland | No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 58 Derrick Stafford |
| 53 | 3–1–1989 | Utah | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 18 Ed Middleton, No. 56 Don Vaden |
| 54 | 3–3–1989 | Cleveland | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 35 Jack Nies, No. 28 Tommy Nunez |
| 55 | 3–5–1989 | @ Miami | |
| 56 | 3–6–1989 | Denver | No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 57 | 3–8–1989 | Seattle | Jim Huetter, No. 8 Lee Jones, No. 12 Earl Strom |
| 58 | 3–11–1989 | @ Philadelphia | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 51 Luis Grillo, No. 40 Mike Lauerman |
| 59 | 3–12–1989 | Washington | No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 39 Jess Thompson |
| 60 | 3–14–1989 | @ Indiana | Rusty Herring, No. 42 Hue Holline, No. 18 Ed Middleton |
| 61 | 3–17–1989 | Boston | No. 29 Steve Javie, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 21 Bill Oakes |
| 62 | 3–18–1989 | @ Milwaukee | No. 30 Gary Benson, No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 4 Ed T. Rush |
| 63 | 3–21–1989 | @ Atlanta | No. 20 Jess Jersey, No. 41 Ken Mauer, No. 16 Wally Rooney |
| 64 | 3–22–1989 | San Antonio | |
| 65 | 3–24–1989 | New Jersey | |
| 66 | 3–25–1989 | @ Charlotte | |
| 67 | 3–27–1989 | Dallas | No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 34 Ronnie Nunn |
| 68 | 3–29–1989 | @ Utah | No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 69 | 3–31–1989 | @ Seattle | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 44 Ron Olesiak, No. 37 Blaine Reichelt |
| 70 | 4–2–1989 | @ L.A. Clippers | |
| 71 | 4–4–1989 | @ Portland | No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 50 Nolan Fine, No. 13 Mike Mathis |
| 72 | 4–6–1989 | Chicago | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 29 Steve Javie |
| 73 | 4–7–1989 | @ Chicago | No. 19 Jim Capers, No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 28 Tommy Nunez |
| 74 | 4–9–1989 | Milwaukee | No. 9 Bruce Alexander, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 12 Earl Strom |
| 75 | 4–10–1989 | @ Washington | No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 40 Mike Lauerman |
| 76 | 4–12–1989 | Cleveland | No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 16 Wally Rooney, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 77 | 4–14–1989 | @ New York | No. 46 Hank Armstrong, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore |
| 78 | 4–16–1989 | Washington | No. 7 Bernie Fryer, No. 22 Paul Mihalak, No. 35 Jack Nies |
| 79 | 4–18–1989 | @ Cleveland | No. 43 Dan Crawford, No. 21 Bill Oakes, No. 4 Ed T. Rush |
| 80 | 4–19–1989 | Indiana | No. 31 Terry Durham, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 54 Woody Mayfield |
| 81 | 4–21–1989 | Philadelphia | No. 26 Bob Delaney, No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 34 Ronnie Nunn |
| 82 | 4–23–1989 | Atlanta | No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 49 Jim Clark, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell |

### Playoffs

| Game | Round | Date | Opponent | Officials |
| 1 | Eastern Conference First Round | 4–28–1989 | Boston | No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 18 Ed Middleton |
| 2 | Eastern Conference First Round | 4–30–1989 | Boston | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 23 Ron Garretson, No. 21 Bill Oakes |
| 3 | Eastern Conference First Round | 5–2–1989 | @ Boston | No. 4 Ed T. Rush, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 32 Eddie F. Rush |
| 1 | Eastern Conference Semifinals | 5–10–1989 | Milwaukee | No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 27 Dick Bavetta, No. 28 Tommy Nunez |
| 2 | Eastern Conference Semifinals | 5–12–1989 | Milwaukee | No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 15 Bennett Salvatore |
| 3 | Eastern Conference Semifinals | 5–14–1989 | @ Milwaukee | No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 29 Steve Javie |
| 4 | Eastern Conference Semifinals | 5–15–1989 | @ Milwaukee | No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 45 Joe Forte, No. 7 Bernie Fryer |
| 1 | Eastern Conference Finals | 5–21–1989 | Chicago | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 28 Tommy Nunez |
| 2 | Eastern Conference Finals | 5–23–1989 | Chicago | No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 12 Earl Strom, No. 24 Bill Saar |
| 3 | Eastern Conference Finals | 5–27–1989 | @ Chicago | No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 4 Ed T. Rush, No. 21 Bill Oakes |
| 4 | Eastern Conference Finals | 5–29–1989 | @ Chicago | No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell, No. 16 Wally Rooney |
| 5 | Eastern Conference Finals | 5–31–1989 | Chicago | No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 42 Hue Hollins, No. 27 Dick Bavetta |
| 6 | Eastern Conference Finals | 6–2–1989 | @ Chicago | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 12 Earl Strom |
| 1 | NBA Finals | 6–6–1989 | L.A. Lakers | No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 11 Jake O'Donnell |
| 2 | NBA Finals | 6–8–1989 | L.A. Lakers | No. 17 Joe Crawford, No. 10 Darell Garretson, No. 42 Hue Hollins |
| 3 | NBA Finals | 6–11–1989 | @ L.A. Lakers | No. 25 Hugh Evans, No. 13 Mike Mathis, No. 4 Ed T. Rush |
| 4 | NBA Finals | 6–13–1989 | @ L.A. Lakers | No. 20 Jess Kersey, No. 14 Jack Madden, No. 12 Earl Strom |

## Player stats
### Regular season

| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| Mark Aguirre | 36 | 32 | 29.7 | .483 | .293 | .738 | 4.2 | 2.5 | .44 | .19 | 15.5 |
| Adrian Dantley | 42 | 42 | 31.9 | .521 | .000 | .839 | 3.9 | 2.2 | .55 | .14 | 18.4 |
| Darryl Dawkins | 14 | 0 | 3.4 | .474 | .000 | .500 | .5 | .1 | .00 | .07 | 1.9 |
| Fennis Dembo | 31 | 0 | 2.4 | .333 | .000 | .800 | .7 | .2 | .03 | .00 | 1.2 |
| Joe Dumars | 69 | 67 | 34.9 | .505 | .483 | .850 | 2.5 | 5.7 | .91 | .07 | 17.2 |
| James Edwards | 76 | 1 | 16.5 | .500 | .000 | .686 | 3.0 | .6 | .14 | .41 | 7.3 |
| Steve Harris | 3 | 0 | 2.3 | .250 | .000 | 1.000 | .7 | .0 | .33 | .00 | 1.3 |
| Vinnie Johnson | 82 | 21 | 25.3 | .464 | .295 | .734 | 3.1 | 3.0 | .90 | .21 | 13.8 |
| Bill Laimbeer | 81 | 81 | 32.6 | .499 | .349 | .840 | 9.6 | 2.2 | .63 | 1.23 | 13.7 |
| John Long | 24 | 1 | 6.3 | .475 | .000 | .846 | .5 | .6 | .00 | .08 | 2.0 |
| Rick Mahorn | 72 | 61 | 24.9 | .517 | .000 | .748 | 6.9 | .8 | .56 | .92 | 7.2 |
| Pace Mannion | 5 | 0 | 2.8 | 1.000 | .000 | .000 | .6 | .0 | .20 | .00 | .8 |
| Dennis Rodman | 82 | 8 | 26.9 | .595 | .231 | .626 | 9.4 | 1.2 | .67 | .93 | 9.0 |
| Jim Rowinski | 6 | 0 | 1.3 | .000 | .000 | 1.000 | .3 | .0 | .00 | .00 | .7 |
| John Salley | 67 | 21 | 21.8 | .498 | .000 | .692 | 5.0 | 1.1 | .60 | 1.07 | 7.0 |
| Isiah Thomas | 80 | 76 | 36.6 | .464 | .273 | .818 | 3.4 | 8.3 | 1.66 | .25 | 18.2 |
| Micheal Williams | 49 | 0 | 7.3 | .364 | .222 | .660 | .6 | 1.4 | .27 | .06 | 2.6 |

### Playoffs

| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| Mark Aguirre | 17 | 17 | 27.2 | .489 | .276 | .737 | 4.4 | 1.6 | .47 | .18 | 12.6 |
| Fennis Dembo | 2 | 0 | 2.0 | 1.000 | .000 | .000 | .0 | .0 | .00 | .00 | 1.0 |
| Joe Dumars | 17 | 17 | 36.5 | .455 | .083 | .861 | 2.6 | 5.6 | .71 | .06 | 17.6 |
| James Edwards | 17 | 0 | 18.6 | .471 | .000 | .784 | 2.1 | .7 | .06 | .47 | 7.1 |
| Vinnie Johnson | 17 | 0 | 21.9 | .455 | .417 | .758 | 2.6 | 2.5 | .24 | .18 | 14.1 |
| Bill Laimbeer | 17 | 17 | 29.2 | .465 | .357 | .806 | 8.2 | 1.8 | .35 | .47 | 10.1 |
| John Long | 4 | 0 | 2.0 | 1.000 | .000 | 1.000 | .0 | .0 | .00 | .00 | 1.2 |
| Rick Mahorn | 17 | 17 | 21.2 | .580 | .000 | .654 | 5.1 | .4 | .53 | .76 | 5.7 |
| Dennis Rodman | 17 | 0 | 24.1 | .529 | .000 | .686 | 10.0 | .9 | .35 | .71 | 5.8 |
| John Salley | 17 | 0 | 23.1 | .586 | .000 | .667 | 4.6 | .5 | .53 | 1.47 | 8.9 |
| Isiah Thomas | 17 | 17 | 37.2 | .412 | .267 | .740 | 4.3 | 8.3 | 1.59 | .24 | 18.2 |
| Micheal Williams | 4 | 0 | 1.5 | .000 | .000 | 1.000 | .5 | .5 | .25 | .00 | .5 |
Player Statistics Citation:

## 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.
| Game | Home Team | Road Team | series |
| Game 1 | Detroit 109 | L.A. Lakers 97 | 1–0 |
| Game 2 | Detroit 108 | L.A. Lakers 105 | 2–0 |
| Game 3: | L.A. Lakers 110 | Detroit 114 | 3–0 |
| Game 4: | L.A. Lakers 97 | Detroit 105 | 4–0 |
Pistons win series 4–0

## Award winners

* Joe Dumars, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
* Joe Dumars, NBA All-Defensive First Team
* Dennis Rodman, NBA All-Defensive First Team