The 1989 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1988–89 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Joe Dumars was named NBA Finals MVP. The Pistons had one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, finishing 15–2 with their only losses to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. This NBA playoffs also holds the record for the most sweeps in an entire NBA playoffs with 9 out of 15 series being decided in just 3 or 4 games.

1989 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 27–June 13, 1989
Season1988–89
Teams16
Final positions
ChampionsDetroit Pistons (1st title)
Runner-upLos Angeles Lakers
Semifinalists
← 1988
1990 →
A ticket for Game 1 of the 1989 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks.

The Lakers won the Western Conference title without losing a game, and entered the NBA Finals as the heavy favorites.[1] However, they were swept in the Finals by the Pistons, due in part to season-ending injuries suffered by Magic Johnson and Byron Scott.[2] The Lakers became the first team in NBA history to open an NBA post-season with 11 straight victories and to sweep three series in an NBA post-season.

Chicago advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1975 (back when they were a member of the Western Conference) (and the first time in Michael Jordan's career), but their season was ended by Detroit for the second straight year. Two rounds earlier, Jordan hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo at the buzzer to beat the Cavs.

The Boston Celtics' first-round playoff sweep by the Pistons was the first time they failed to get past the round of 16. Boston's chances were hampered by the absence of Larry Bird during these playoffs due to a season-ending injury earlier in the season; the first and only time in Bird's NBA career he'd miss playing in the playoffs.

Former Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan made the first of 19 playoff appearances in a 22-year tenure. The only time he missed the playoffs with Utah was 20042006. Prior to this, he had last appeared in the playoffs in 1981 with the Bulls. His Jazz were ousted by the Golden State Warriors 3–0, the second time a seventh seed had beaten the second seed in the playoffs.

Bracket

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First Round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals NBA Finals
            
E1 Detroit* 3
E8 Boston 0
E1 Detroit* 4
E5 Milwaukee 0
E4 Atlanta 2
E5 Milwaukee 3
E1 Detroit* 4
Eastern Conference
E6 Chicago 2
E3 Cleveland 2
E6 Chicago 3
E6 Chicago 4
E2 New York* 2
E2 New York* 3
E7 Philadelphia 0
E1 Detroit* 4
W1 LA Lakers* 0
W1 LA Lakers* 3
W8 Portland 0
W1 LA Lakers* 4
W4 Seattle 0
W4 Seattle 3
W5 Houston 1
W1 LA Lakers* 4
Western Conference
W3 Phoenix 0
W3 Phoenix 3
W6 Denver 0
W3 Phoenix 4
W7 Golden State 1
W2 Utah* 0
W7 Golden State 3
  • * Division winner
  • Bold Series winner
  • Italic Team with home-court advantage

First round

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Eastern Conference first round

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April 28
Boston Celtics 91, Detroit Pistons 101
Scoring by quarter: 25–27, 10–21, 28–27, 28–26
Pts: Kevin McHale 27
Rebs: Robert Parish 12
Asts: Brian Shaw 8
Pts: Joe Dumars 25
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 12
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Ed Middleton, Earl Strom
April 30
Boston Celtics 95, Detroit Pistons 102
Scoring by quarter: 27–31, 30–23, 25–27, 13–21
Pts: Reggie Lewis 21
Rebs: Kevin McHale 11
Asts: Lewis, Johnson 5 each
Pts: Isiah Thomas 26
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 15
Asts: Isiah Thomas 8
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, Bill Oakes
May 2
Detroit Pistons 100, Boston Celtics 85
Scoring by quarter: 31–29, 20–26, 20–18, 29–12
Pts: Vinnie Johnson 25
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 9
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Pts: Reggie Lewis 20
Rebs: Joe Kleine 11
Asts: Brian Shaw 7
Detroit wins series, 3–0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance: 14,890
Referees: Joe Forte, Eddie F. Rush, Ed T. Rush

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning three of the first four meetings.

April 27
Philadelphia 76ers 96, New York Knicks 102
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 23–22, 27–31, 18–22
Pts: Ron Anderson 26
Rebs: Charles Barkley 12
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 16
Pts: Gerald Wilkins 34
Rebs: Charles Oakley 12
Asts: Mark Jackson 9
New York leads series, 1–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,591
Referees: Joe Forte, Darell Garretson, Eddie F. Rush
April 29
Philadelphia 76ers 106, New York Knicks 107
Scoring by quarter: 31–33, 23–25, 25–19, 27–30
Pts: Charles Barkley 30
Rebs: Charles Barkley 12
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 12
Pts: Johnny Newman 20
Rebs: Charles Oakley 12
Asts: Mark Jackson 10
New York leads series, 2–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,591
Referees: Hugh Evans, Jack Nies, Wally Rooney
May 2
New York Knicks 116, Philadelphia 76ers 115 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 28–24, 19–28, 32–26, 27–28Overtime: 10–9
Pts: Mark Jackson 24
Rebs: Charles Oakley 17
Asts: Mark Jackson 9
Pts: Charles Barkley 29
Rebs: Charles Barkley 11
Asts: Maurice Cheeks 11
New York wins series, 3–0
Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 16,236
Referees: Bruce Alexander, Hue Hollins, Tommy Nunez Sr.

This was the ninth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the 76ers winning six of the first eight meetings.

April 28
Chicago Bulls 95, Cleveland Cavaliers 88
Scoring by quarter: 24–14, 23–26, 30–17, 18–31
Pts: Michael Jordan 31
Rebs: Horace Grant 13
Asts: Michael Jordan 11
Pts: Craig Ehlo 19
Rebs: Brad Daugherty 7
Asts: Darnell Valentine 6
Chicago leads series, 1–0
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 19,312
Referees: Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, Bill Oakes
April 30
Chicago Bulls 88, Cleveland Cavaliers 96
Scoring by quarter: 29–23, 18–26, 21–23, 20–24
Pts: Michael Jordan 30
Rebs: Horace Grant 14
Asts: Michael Jordan 10
Pts: Ron Harper 31
Rebs: Ron Harper 11
Asts: Larry Nance 5
Series tied, 1–1
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 20,273
Referees: Ed Middleton, Tommy Nunez Sr., Earl Strom
May 3
Cleveland Cavaliers 94, Chicago Bulls 101
Scoring by quarter: 20–35, 19–15, 30–29, 25–22
Pts: Hot Rod Williams 22
Rebs: Hot Rod Williams 11
Asts: Darnell Valentine 8
Pts: Michael Jordan 44
Rebs: Horace Grant 17
Asts: Michael Jordan 10
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 17,721
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Darell Garretson, Lee Jones
May 5
Cleveland Cavaliers 108, Chicago Bulls 105 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 23–22, 26–26, 25–28, 25–23, Overtime: 9–6
Pts: Larry Nance 27
Rebs: Brad Daugherty 17
Asts: Mark Price 7
Pts: Michael Jordan 50
Rebs: Horace Grant 16
Asts: Pippen, Hodges 5 each
Series tied, 2–2
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,264
Referees: Steve Javie, Jess Kersey, Ed T. Rush
  • Brad Daugherty hits the game-tying free throws with 4 second left in regulation to force OT.
May 7
Chicago Bulls 101, Cleveland Cavaliers 100
Scoring by quarter: 24–28, 22–20, 23–27, 32–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 44
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 10
Asts: Michael Jordan 6
Pts: Craig Ehlo 24
Rebs: Brad Daugherty 11
Asts: Mark Price 7
Chicago wins series, 3–2
Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
Attendance: 20,273
Referees: Hugh Evans, Jack Madden, Jake O'Donnell

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning the first meeting.

April 27
Milwaukee Bucks 92, Atlanta Hawks 100
Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 26–24, 23–23, 21–28
Pts: Jay Humphries 20
Rebs: Terry Cummings 8
Asts: Sidney Moncrief 6
Pts: Dominique Wilkins 28
Rebs: Moses Malone 13
Asts: Doc Rivers 10
Atlanta leads series, 1–0
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 14,541
Referees: Hugh Evans, Wally Rooney, Don Vaden
April 29
Milwaukee Bucks 108, Atlanta Hawks 98
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 26–20, 26–26, 28–25
Pts: Terry Cummings 22
Rebs: Terry Cummings 8
Asts: Jack Sikma 7
Pts: Dominique Wilkins 32
Rebs: Moses Malone 8
Asts: Doc Rivers 8
Series tied, 1–1
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 15,742
Referees: Bruce Alexander, Dick Bavetta, Hue Hollins
May 2
Atlanta Hawks 113, Milwaukee Bucks 117 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 21–30, 23–26, 34–25, 24–21, Overtime: 11–15
Pts: Dominique Wilkins 30
Rebs: Jon Koncak 11
Asts: Reggie Theus 5
Pts: Ricky Pierce 35
Rebs: Terry Cummings 14
Asts: Jay Humphries 10
Milwaukee leads series, 2–1
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,469
Referees: Joe Crawford, Bill Oakes, Bennett Salvatore
May 5
Atlanta Hawks 113, Milwaukee Bucks 106 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 28–28, 30–17, 20–24, 20–29Overtime: 15–8
Pts: Malone, Wilkins 24 each
Rebs: Moses Malone 17
Asts: Spud Webb 7
Pts: Jack Sikma 24
Rebs: Larry Krystkowiak 10
Asts: Jay Humphries 15
Series tied, 2–2
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,633
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Mike Mathis, Jake O'Donnell
May 7
Milwaukee Bucks 96, Atlanta Hawks 92
Scoring by quarter: 21–19, 23–25, 29–26, 23–22
Pts: Ricky Pierce 25
Rebs: Jack Sikma 9
Asts: Jay Humphries 5
Pts: Moses Malone 25
Rebs: Moses Malone 16
Asts: Rivers, Theus 6 each
Milwaukee wins series, 3–2
Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance: 16,220
Referees: Darell Garretson, Paul Mihalak, Earl Strom

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

Western Conference first round

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April 27
Portland Trail Blazers 108, Los Angeles Lakers 128
Scoring by quarter: 21–34, 30–30, 25–31, 32–33
Pts: Clyde Drexler 30
Rebs: Kersey, Porter 9 each
Asts: Terry Porter 10
Pts: Magic Johnson 30
Rebs: Scott, Abdul-Jabbar 8 each
Asts: Magic Johnson 16
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Terry Durham, Lee Jones, Mike Mathis
April 30
Portland Trail Blazers 105, Los Angeles Lakers 113
Scoring by quarter: 23–35, 23–21, 30–30, 29–27
Pts: Clyde Drexler 28
Rebs: Jerome Kersey 11
Asts: Clyde Drexler 10
Pts: Magic Johnson 35
Rebs: A.C. Green 13
Asts: Magic Johnson 12
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Blane Reichelt, Bill Saar
May 3
Los Angeles Lakers 116, Portland Trail Blazers 108
Scoring by quarter: 27–22, 22–32, 37–22, 30–32
Pts: Byron Scott 25
Rebs: A.C. Green 13
Asts: Magic Johnson 7
Pts: Terry Porter 29
Rebs: Clyde Drexler 8
Asts: Terry Porter 9
LA Lakers win series, 3–0
Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon
Attendance: 12,880
Referees: Jim Clark, Jack Nies, Earl Strom

This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning two of the first three meetings.

April 27
Golden State Warriors 123, Utah Jazz 119
Scoring by quarter: 35–25, 26–34, 32–29, 30–31
Pts: Chris Mullin 41
Rebs: Larry Smith 11
Asts: Winston Garland 8
Pts: John Stockton 30
Rebs: Karl Malone 13
Asts: John Stockton 14
Golden State leads series, 1–0
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,444
Referees: Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush, Bill Saar
April 29
Golden State Warriors 99, Utah Jazz 91
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 19–20, 26–26, 28–17
Pts: Chris Mullin 22
Rebs: three players 7 each
Asts: Chris Mullin 7
Pts: Karl Malone 37
Rebs: Karl Malone 22
Asts: John Stockton 11
Golden State leads series, 2–0
Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attendance: 12,444
Referees: Bernie Fryer, Lee Jones, Mike Mathis
May 2
Utah Jazz 106, Golden State Warriors 120
Scoring by quarter: 22–23, 27–25, 22–34, 35–38
Pts: John Stockton 34
Rebs: Karl Malone 14
Asts: John Stockton 16
Pts: Chris Mullin 35
Rebs: Rod Higgins 14
Asts: Mitch Richmond 11
Golden State wins series, 3–0
Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, California
Attendance: 15,025
Referees: Dan Crawford, Bob Delaney, Jess Kersey
  • In the 16-team playoff format, this is the only time a top 2 seed has been swept in the First Round in NBA history. However, a top 2 seed has yet to be swept in the First Round in a best-of-seven series format.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Warriors winning the first meeting.

April 28
Denver Nuggets 103, Phoenix Suns 104
Scoring by quarter: 20–23, 22–32, 32–22, 29–27
Pts: Walter Davis 34
Rebs: Fat Lever 12
Asts: Fat Lever 17
Pts: Chambers, K. Johnson 26 each
Rebs: Tom Chambers 17
Asts: Kevin Johnson 9
Phoenix leads series, 1–0
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Steve Javie, Ed T. Rush, Bill Saar
April 30
Denver Nuggets 114, Phoenix Suns 132
Scoring by quarter: 24–30, 21–37, 40–35, 29–30
Pts: Alex English 36
Rebs: Michael Adams 12
Asts: English, Cook 6 each
Pts: Kevin Johnson 34
Rebs: Tom Chambers 12
Asts: Kevin Johnson 14
Phoenix leads series, 2–0
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Bob Delaney, Jess Kersey, Paul Mihalak
May 2
Phoenix Suns 130, Denver Nuggets 121
Scoring by quarter: 27–36, 27–36, 34–29, 42–20
Pts: Chambers, K. Johnson 32 each
Rebs: Tom Chambers 17
Asts: Kevin Johnson 16
Pts: Walter Davis 26
Rebs: Elston Turner 7
Asts: Bill Hanzlik 6
Phoenix wins series, 3–0
McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 12,660
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jake O'Donnell, Don Vaden

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

April 28
Houston Rockets 107, Seattle SuperSonics 111
Scoring by quarter: 25–23, 30–30, 21–32, 31–26
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 28
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 9
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 7
Pts: Dale Ellis 25
Rebs: Xavier McDaniel 11
Asts: Nate McMillan 11
Seattle leads series, 1–0
Kingdome, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 14,250
Referees: Paul Mihalak, Jake O'Donnell, Blane Reichelt
April 30
Houston Rockets 97, Seattle SuperSonics 109
Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 20–20, 27–29, 24–34
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 30
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 12
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 6
Pts: McDaniel, Lister 20 each
Rebs: Olden Polynice 10
Asts: Nate McMillan 8
Seattle leads series, 2–0
Kingdome, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 12,887
Referees: Jim Clark, Dan Crawford, Darell Garretson
May 3
Seattle SuperSonics 107, Houston Rockets 126
Scoring by quarter: 20–31, 27–32, 29–31, 31–32
Pts: Dale Ellis 26
Rebs: Michael Cage 10
Asts: Nate McMillan 10
Pts: Sleepy Floyd 28
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 18
Asts: Sleepy Floyd 6
Seattle leads series, 2–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Hugh Evans, Wally Rooney, Bennett Salvatore
May 5
Seattle SuperSonics 98, Houston Rockets 96
Scoring by quarter: 29–27, 22–26, 25–26, 22–17
Pts: Dale Ellis 26
Rebs: Xavier McDaniel 10
Asts: Nate McMillan 10
Pts: Hakeem Olajuwon 24
Rebs: Hakeem Olajuwon 13
Asts: Floyd, Woodson 7 each
Seattle wins series, 3–1
The Summit, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 16,611
Referees: Jack Madden, Bill Oakes, Earl Strom
  • Derrick McKey hits the series-winning alley-oop layup at the buzzer.

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the SuperSonics winning the first two meetings.

Conference semifinals

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Eastern Conference semifinals

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May 10
Milwaukee Bucks 80, Detroit Pistons 85
Scoring by quarter: 25–21, 23–18, 21–25, 11–21
Pts: Ricky Pierce 25
Rebs: Sidney Moncrief 6
Asts: Jay Humphries 6
Pts: Bill Laimbeer 19
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 17
Asts: Joe Dumars 6
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hugh Evans, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 12
Milwaukee Bucks 92, Detroit Pistons 112
Scoring by quarter: 23–26, 26–23, 19–26, 24–37
Pts: Krystkowiak, Pierce 22 each
Rebs: Larry Krystkowiak 13
Asts: Rickey Green 6
Pts: John Salley 23
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Hue Hollins, Jack Madden, Bennett Salvatore
May 14
Detroit Pistons 110, Milwaukee Bucks 90
Scoring by quarter: 24–16, 23–22, 38–25, 25–27
Pts: Isiah Thomas 26
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 11
Asts: Joe Dumars 10
Pts: Ricky Pierce 22
Rebs: Randy Breuer 8
Asts: Jay Humphries 5
Detroit leads series, 3–0
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,633
Referees: Steve Javie, Jess Kersey, Mike Mathis
May 15
Detroit Pistons 96, Milwaukee Bucks 94
Scoring by quarter: 20–33, 24–21, 32–17, 20–23
Pts: Joe Dumars 22
Rebs: Isiah Thomas 10
Asts: Isiah Thomas 13
Pts: Fred Roberts 33
Rebs: Randy Breuer 9
Asts: Jay Humphries 14
Detroit wins series, 4–0
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Attendance: 18,633
Referees: Joe Forte, Bernie Fryer, Darell Garretson

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pistons winning the first meeting.

May 9
Chicago Bulls 120, New York Knicks 109 (OT)
Scoring by quarter: 27–27, 20–19, 27–29, 29–28, Overtime: 17–6
Pts: Michael Jordan 34
Rebs: Bill Cartwright 14
Asts: Michael Jordan 12
Pts: Johnny Newman 27
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 10
Asts: Mark Jackson 11
Chicago leads series, 1–0
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,591
Referees: Mike Mathis, Paul Mihalak, Bill Saar

Michael Jordan hits the game tying free throws with 1:15 left in regulation to force OT

May 11
Chicago Bulls 97, New York Knicks 114
Scoring by quarter: 15–21, 26–29, 23–27, 33–37
Pts: John Paxson 16
Rebs: Charles Davis 9
Asts: Scottie Pippen 5
Pts: Patrick Ewing 23
Rebs: Charles Oakley 13
Asts: Mark Jackson 16
Series tied, 1–1
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,591
Referees: Joe Crawford, Joe Forte, Lee Jones
May 13
New York Knicks 88, Chicago Bulls 111
Scoring by quarter: 20–24, 26–42, 21–17, 21–28
Pts: Patrick Ewing 19
Rebs: Charles Oakley 9
Asts: Mark Jackson 6
Pts: Michael Jordan 40
Rebs: Michael Jordan 15
Asts: Michael Jordan 9
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,599
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Tommy Nunez Sr., Earl Strom
May 14
New York Knicks 93, Chicago Bulls 106
Scoring by quarter: 23–27, 30–28, 20–22, 20–29
Pts: Johnny Newman 23
Rebs: Charles Oakley 16
Asts: Gerald Wilkins 5
Pts: Michael Jordan 47
Rebs: Michael Jordan 11
Asts: Scottie Pippen 8
Chicago leads series, 3–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,637
Referees: Hugh Evans, Bernie Fryer, Hue Hollins
May 16
Chicago Bulls 114, New York Knicks 121
Scoring by quarter: 28–33, 31–29, 18–32, 37–27
Pts: Michael Jordan 38
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 9
Asts: Michael Jordan 10
Pts: Patrick Ewing 32
Rebs: Charles Oakley 13
Asts: Mark Jackson 14
Chicago leads series, 3–2
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Attendance: 19,591
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Bill Oakes
May 19
New York Knicks 111, Chicago Bulls 113
Scoring by quarter: 31–32, 30–27, 18–27, 32–27
Pts: three players 22 each
Rebs: Patrick Ewing 13
Asts: Mark Jackson 12
Pts: Michael Jordan 40
Rebs: Bill Cartwright 8
Asts: Michael Jordan 10
Chicago wins series, 4–2
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Darell Garretson, Jake O'Donnell, Ed T. Rush
  • Michael Jordan hits the series-winning free throws with 4 seconds left.

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning the first meeting.

Western Conference semifinals

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May 7
Seattle SuperSonics 102, Los Angeles Lakers 113
Scoring by quarter: 22–27, 32–25, 27–28, 21–33
Pts: Derrick McKey 23
Rebs: Olden Polynice 10
Asts: Nate McMillan 12
Pts: James Worthy 28
Rebs: James Worthy 12
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Hue Hollins, Ed Middleton
May 10
Seattle SuperSonics 108, Los Angeles Lakers 130
Scoring by quarter: 26–32, 27–31, 19–32, 36–35
Pts: Xavier McDaniel 17
Rebs: Xavier McDaniel 8
Asts: Sedale Threatt 9
Pts: James Worthy 30
Rebs: A.C. Green 8
Asts: Magic Johnson 12
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dan Crawford, Jess Kersey, Wally Rooney
May 12
Los Angeles Lakers 91, Seattle SuperSonics 86
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 23–26, 25–15, 18–26
Pts: James Worthy 20
Rebs: Magic Johnson 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
Pts: Dale Ellis 30
Rebs: Xavier McDaniel 12
Asts: Sedale Threatt 9
LA Lakers lead series, 3–0
Kingdome, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 14,541
Referees: Jim Clark, Bill Oakes, Ed T. Rush
May 14
Los Angeles Lakers 97, Seattle SuperSonics 95
Scoring by quarter: 12–32, 31–22, 22–19, 32–22
Pts: James Worthy 33
Rebs: A.C. Green 10
Asts: Magic Johnson 9
Pts: Xavier McDaniel 30
Rebs: Xavier McDaniel 11
Asts: Nate McMillan 8
LA Lakers win series, 4–0
Kingdome, Seattle, Washington
Attendance: 14,006
Referees: Paul Mihalak, Jack Nies, Jake O'Donnell
  • The Lakers posted the greatest comeback in NBA playoff history by overcoming a 29-point deficit (43–14), which has since been surpassed.

This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning two series apiece.

May 6
Golden State Warriors 103, Phoenix Suns 130
Scoring by quarter: 29–35, 22–31, 22–41, 30–23
Pts: Mullin, Teagle 18 each
Rebs: Larry Smith 8
Asts: Winston Garland 6
Pts: Tom Chambers 25
Rebs: Eddie Johnson 9
Asts: Kevin Johnson 11
Phoenix leads series, 1–0
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Joe Crawford, Joe Forte, Bennett Salvatore
May 9
Golden State Warriors 127, Phoenix Suns 122
Scoring by quarter: 31–32, 34–32, 35–34, 27–24
Pts: Chris Mullin 37
Rebs: Mitch Richmond 13
Asts: Chris Mullin 5
Pts: Eddie Johnson 35
Rebs: Eddie Johnson 9
Asts: Kevin Johnson 12
Series tied, 1–1
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Bruce Alexander, Bill Oakes, Ed T. Rush
May 11
Phoenix Suns 113, Golden State Warriors 104
Scoring by quarter: 35–20, 24–30, 26–32, 28–22
Pts: Tom Chambers 31
Rebs: Chambers, Corbin 14 each
Asts: Kevin Johnson 15
Pts: Chris Mullin 32
Rebs: Higgins, Bol 9 each
Asts: Chris Mullin 6
Phoenix leads series, 2–1
Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, California
Attendance: 15,025
Referees: Steve Javie, Ed Middleton, Jake O'Donnell
May 13
Phoenix Suns 135, Golden State Warriors 99
Scoring by quarter: 31–22, 36–39, 35–22, 33–16
Pts: Eddie Johnson 34
Rebs: Tyrone Corbin 13
Asts: Hornacek, K. Johnson 8 each
Pts: Chris Mullin 28
Rebs: Chris Mullin 7
Asts: Winston Garland 4
Phoenix leads series, 3–1
Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, California
Attendance: 15,025
Referees: Dan Crawford, Darell Garretson, Wally Rooney
May 16
Golden State Warriors 104, Phoenix Suns 116
Scoring by quarter: 26–22, 24–27, 24–30, 30–37
Pts: Mitch Richmond 23
Rebs: Larry Smith 9
Asts: Chris Mullin 6
Pts: K. Johnson, Chambers 24 each
Rebs: E. Johnson, Chambers 11 each
Asts: Kevin Johnson 11
Phoenix wins series, 4–1
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Hue Hollins, Paul Mihalak, Earl Strom

This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first meeting.

Conference finals

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Eastern Conference finals

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May 21
Chicago Bulls 94, Detroit Pistons 88
Scoring by quarter: 33–17, 17–17, 21–29, 23–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 32
Rebs: Jordan, Pippen 11 each
Asts: Scottie Pippen 6
Pts: Rick Mahorn 17
Rebs: Bill Laimbeer 15
Asts: Isiah Thomas 10
Chicago leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hugh Evans, Tommy Nunez Sr.
May 23
Chicago Bulls 91, Detroit Pistons 100
Scoring by quarter: 23–19, 26–30, 21–26, 21–25
Pts: Michael Jordan 27
Rebs: Horace Grant 20
Asts: John Paxson 6
Pts: Isiah Thomas 33
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 12
Asts: Isiah Thomas 4
Series tied, 1–1
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Mike Mathis, Bill Saar, Earl Strom
May 27
Detroit Pistons 97, Chicago Bulls 99
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 28–18, 21–21, 20–33
Pts: Mark Aguirre 25
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 13
Asts: Isiah Thomas 11
Pts: Michael Jordan 46
Rebs: Scottie Pippen 8
Asts: Jordan, Hodges 5 each
Chicago leads series, 2–1
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Jack Madden, Bill Oakes, Ed T. Rush
May 29
Detroit Pistons 86, Chicago Bulls 80
Scoring by quarter: 22–26, 20–13, 22–21, 22–20
Pts: Isiah Thomas 27
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 18
Asts: Isiah Thomas 6
Pts: Michael Jordan 23
Rebs: Horace Grant 12
Asts: Craig Hodges 5
Series tied, 2–2
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jake O'Donnell, Wally Rooney
May 31
Chicago Bulls 85, Detroit Pistons 94
Scoring by quarter: 25–17, 20–24, 19–24, 21–29
Pts: Craig Hodges 19
Rebs: Bill Cartwright 12
Asts: Michael Jordan 9
Pts: Vinnie Johnson 22
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 14
Asts: Isiah Thomas 12
Detroit leads series, 3–2
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Darell Garretson, Hue Hollins
June 2
Detroit Pistons 103, Chicago Bulls 94
Scoring by quarter: 24–26, 25–21, 28–22, 26–25
Pts: Isiah Thomas 33
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 15
Asts: Joe Dumars 9
Pts: Michael Jordan 32
Rebs: Horace Grant 13
Asts: Michael Jordan 13
Detroit wins series, 4–2
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 18,676
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hugh Evans, Earl Strom

This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.

Western Conference finals

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May 20
Phoenix Suns 119, Los Angeles Lakers 127
Scoring by quarter: 24–38, 35–27, 30–26, 30–36
Pts: Kevin Johnson 27
Rebs: Tom Chambers 10
Asts: Kevin Johnson 18
Pts: James Worthy 32
Rebs: A.C. Green 10
Asts: Magic Johnson 12
LA Lakers lead series, 1–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Lee Jones, Jack Madden, Mike Mathis
May 23
Phoenix Suns 95, Los Angeles Lakers 101
Scoring by quarter: 28–27, 27–24, 18–20, 22–30
Pts: Kevin Johnson 22
Rebs: Tom Chambers 10
Asts: Kevin Johnson 10
Pts: Byron Scott 30
Rebs: Magic Johnson 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
LA Lakers lead series, 2–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Dick Bavetta, Jess Kersey, Jake O'Donnell
May 26
Los Angeles Lakers 110, Phoenix Suns 107
Scoring by quarter: 25–19, 25–35, 32–21, 28–32
Pts: James Worthy 29
Rebs: James Worthy 12
Asts: Magic Johnson 11
Pts: Tom Chambers 26
Rebs: Jeff Hornacek 11
Asts: Kevin Johnson 13
LA Lakers lead series, 3–0
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Dan Crawford, Darell Garretson, Hue Hollins
May 28
Los Angeles Lakers 122, Phoenix Suns 117
Scoring by quarter: 31–26, 29–23, 27–25, 35–43
Pts: Byron Scott 35
Rebs: A.C. Green 11
Asts: Magic Johnson 20
Pts: Tom Chambers 41
Rebs: Tom Chambers 13
Asts: Kevin Johnson 10
LA Lakers win series, 4–0
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance: 14,471
Referees: Joe Crawford, Hugh Evans, Paul Mihalak

This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first five meetings.

NBA Finals: (E1) Detroit Pistons vs. (W1) Los Angeles Lakers

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June 6
Los Angeles Lakers 97, Detroit Pistons 109
Scoring by quarter: 22–28, 26–27, 18–24, 31–30
Pts: Johnson, Worthy 17 each
Rebs: A.C. Green 8
Asts: Magic Johnson 14
Pts: Isiah Thomas 24
Rebs: Aguirre, Rodman 10 each
Asts: Isiah Thomas 9
Detroit leads series, 1–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Jake O'Donnell, Jess Kersey, Jack Madden
June 8
Los Angeles Lakers 105, Detroit Pistons 108
Scoring by quarter: 32–26, 30–30, 30–28, 13–24
Pts: Cooper, Worthy 19 each
Rebs: A.C. Green 9
Asts: Magic Johnson 9
Pts: Joe Dumars 33
Rebs: Mark Aguirre 6
Asts: Isiah Thomas 7
Detroit leads series, 2–0
The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Attendance: 21,454
Referees: Darell Garretson, Hue Hollins, Joe Crawford
June 11
Detroit Pistons 114, Los Angeles Lakers 110
Scoring by quarter: 27–22, 30–33, 29–33, 28–22
Pts: Joe Dumars 31
Rebs: Dennis Rodman 19
Asts: Isiah Thomas 8
Pts: James Worthy 26
Rebs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 13
Asts: Michael Cooper 13
Detroit leads series, 3–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Ed T. Rush, Mike Mathis, Hugh Evans
June 13
Detroit Pistons 105, Los Angeles Lakers 97
Scoring by quarter: 23–35, 26–20, 27–23, 29–19
Pts: Joe Dumars 23
Rebs: Johnson, Laimbeer 6 each
Asts: three players 5 each
Pts: James Worthy 40
Rebs: A.C. Green 12
Asts: Michael Cooper 9
Detroit wins series, 4–0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California
Attendance: 17,505
Referees: Jess Kersey, Jack Madden, Earl Strom

This was the 11th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning nine of the first ten meetings.

Statistical leaders

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Category Game High Average
Player Team High Player Team Avg. GP
Points Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 50 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 34.8 17
Rebounds Karl Malone Utah Jazz 22 Karl Malone Utah Jazz 16.3 3
Assists Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers 20 John Stockton Utah Jazz 13.7 3
Steals Michael Jordan
Byron Scott
Sedale Threatt
John Stockton
Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Lakers
Seattle SuperSonics
Utah Jazz
6 John Stockton Utah Jazz 3.3 3
Blocks Alton Lister Seattle SuperSonics 8 Manute Bol Golden State Warriors 3.6 8

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Can Lakers sweep Pistons in Finals?". Vidette-Messenger of Porter County. Valparaiso, Indiana. June 6, 1989. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "If Magic rests, Rivers must get into flow". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. June 11, 1989. p. 54 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Boston Celtics versus Detroit Pistons (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  4. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — New York Knicks versus Philadelphia 76ers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  5. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Cleveland Cavaliers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  6. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Atlanta Hawks versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  7. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  8. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Utah Jazz (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  9. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Denver Nuggets versus Phoenix Suns (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  10. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Houston Rockets versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  11. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Milwaukee Bucks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  12. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus New York Knicks (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  13. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  14. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Golden State Warriors versus Phoenix Suns (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  15. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Chicago Bulls versus Detroit Pistons (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  16. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Los Angeles Lakers versus Phoenix Suns (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  17. ^ "Team Rivalry Finder — Detroit Pistons versus Los Angeles Lakers (Playoffs)". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
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