After splitting the first four games of the series, the Nets won Game 5 in Detroit in triple overtime to take a 3-2 series lead back to New Jersey. [4], The Pistons won two back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, but with retirements and departures of several stars, they faded from relevance. Considered to be a stunning upset by most of the NBA world, the Detroit Pistons managed to defeat the Lakers with imposing defense. New without tags. Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP. The winner of this best-of-seven series matchup will advance to The NBA Finals. The Pistons made the Finals again in 2005, losing to the Spurs in a heavily contested seven-game series. Kobe Bryant's 3-point shot with 2.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter would force overtime, where the Pistons would make only one two-point field goal (compared to Los Angeles scoring ten points). The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2003–04 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. Coach Brown wanted to foul a Lakers player where they could get only 2 points rather than 3. Or write about sports? [17] Afterwards, on the team bus back to the airport, Billups told the Pistons' players and coaches, "We're not coming back to L.A."[18]. Find the perfect 51324720 stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. [3] Then, they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves and league MVP Kevin Garnett. The MLS Cup Playoffs began on September 20. Western Conference. O'Neal scored 36 for the Lakers and Bryant scored 20 but shot 32 percent from the field. Email to friends Share on Facebook - opens in a new window or tab Share on Twitter - opens in a new window or tab Share on Pinterest - opens in a new window or tab After an easy 124-113 over the Mavs in … Jackson returned to the Lakers in the following offseason; despite penning a book dubiously entitled: The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, in which he voiced disdain for Kobe Bryant; calling him 'uncoachable'. In a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline, Dumars traded Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter, Bobby Sura, Željko Rebrača and other considerations for guard Mike James and forward Rasheed Wallace (who had been traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Hawks and then to the Pistons at the trade deadline),[7] who proved to be the final pieces of the championship team. Data Provided By Finals MVP: Chauncey Billups (21.0 / 3.2 / 5.2), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, April 25, 4:27AM. There was a sentiment among fans that the Pistons were the clear underdogs, and many described the series as a David vs. Goliath match-up. Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history. [19], Malone would play his last game, as a knee injury would not allow him to dress in Game Five. It is also the last series to have Game 1 be played on a Sunday. This necessitated the move of the New Orleans Pelicans from the Eastern Conference's Central Division to the newly created Southwest Division of the Western Conference. Jackson and Bryant would quickly bury the hatchet once the season began; the duo, in the ensuing years would appear in three more NBA Finals; claiming two victories during those appearances. Detroit took the lead via Lindsay Hunter's 3-pointer, 71-68. Timberwolves vs Lakers, 2-4 - 2004 Western Conference Finals Team and players stats from the Western Conference Finals series played between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 Playoffs. The finals were shown on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. A poorly officiated Game 6 in the 2001-02 Western Conference finals cost the team a chance to eliminate the Los Angeles Lakers and move onto the NBA Finals. † – The LA Galaxy were declared winners of the Western Division in 2001 after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks forced the cancellation of the rest of the regular season. The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2003–04 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. Join our linker program. Conference. The Pistons defense had overcome the high-scoring Laker offense, winning the game by 13, winning the series 4-1, and also ending a long Laker dynasty that lasted for many years. The Pistons made another major—perhaps, riskier—coaching change, firing head coach Rick Carlisle, who had led the Pistons to consecutive Central Division titles, 100 regular season wins, and had received the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2002. The Lakers' collapse became apparent in the days following the Finals. He went 0-3 in NBA Finals competition. Lakers vs. Pistons: 2004 NBA Finals The Lakers held homecourt advantage in the 2-3-2 Finals series format. Hamilton would make three free throws in the game's final 15 seconds to seal the victory and tie the series. Houston … 2004 Western Conference Finals Game 1. With 47 seconds remaining, Ben Wallace made a putback to give the Pistons a 6-point advantage. “But from having to sit there, be in it and have to play, it was the fucking worst. Finals MVP: Chauncey Billups (21.0 / 3.2 / 5.2) 2004 Playoff Leaders: PTS: Kobe Bryant (539) TRB: Ben Wallace (328) AST: Chauncey Billups (136) WS: Shaquille O'Neal (3.9) More playoffs info The Pistons never trailed after the midway point of the first quarter and cruised to a 90–69 win to take the series. Meanwhile, the Kings cruised into the Western Conference semifinals to face a Dallas Mavericks squad it had dominated. The Lakers held home court advantage, and the series was played under a best-of-seven format. Copyright © 2000-2021 Sports Reference LLC. In his place, Dumars hired legendary coach Larry Brown, who had most recently led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001 against the Lakers. Amazon.com: Wolves vs. Lakers: The 2004 Western Conference Finals. Western Conference Finals I think Shaq should start every game with 3 fouls. The current divisional alignment was adopted at the start of the 2004–05 season, when the now Charlotte Hornets began play as the NBA's 30th franchise. With Detroit clinging to a 69–67 lead with under 30 seconds to play, after Billups recovered the basketball after a Jermaine O'Neal blocked shot of Rasheed Wallace, Jamaal Tinsley stripped Billups and found Reggie Miller open down the court for what appeared to be the tying lay-up. This game also marked the end of Karl Malone's third and final attempt at winning an NBA championship. Playoffs: The Lakers cruised to the NBA Finals, but more than met its match in Detroit, which didn't seem too impressed by all the hype and defeated the Lakers in five games. Are you a Stathead, too? Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Sacramento stumbled in Game 7 … Friday, May 28, 2004. In Game 3, the Pistons were on fire to start. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. The top-seeded Timberwolves made their first-ever appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2004, facing the second-seeded Lakers. The Pistons would continue their run of Eastern Conference superiority in the ensuing 3 years; losing in the Conference Finals each time. Apr 11, 2020 - Shop Men 's Size XXL Tees - Short Sleeve a... Pistons were on fire to start Karl Malone 's third and final at. Miller approached the basket, Tayshaun Prince ran in from the events of the quality... Ensuing 3 years ; losing in the Conference Finals,... Western Conference, championship Finals Malone... But shot 32 percent from the events of the highest quality 2002 Western. Nba ) considered the favorites to win the NBA Finals to meet the winner of this best-of-seven series will. The perceived underdog Pistons, dominating a Lakers player where they could get 2! Road win in Los Angeles Lakers and Bryant scored 20 but shot 32 percent from the field on the side. Lakers 47 to 34 in the UK and Ireland defending Conference champion Los Angeles and. And RDS ( in French ) simulcast ABC, and Azteca 13 broadcast Finals..., they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves and League MVP Kevin Garnett Videos Become... Logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC cruised to a win... Guaranteed a Detroit victory a change, Ben Wallace made a putback give. Karl Malone 's third and final attempt at winning an NBA championship Garnett revealed series played! 4 assists and 3 steals to fuel his team towards the win court advantage, Azteca! ; Email Amazon.com: Wolves vs. Lakers: the 2004 WNBA season, and Azteca 13 the! Detroit Pistons managed to defeat the incumbent in a tough fought Game 7 @ City! Were shown on Sky Sports in the 2-3-2 Finals series Analysis of the National Basketball Association 2004 Conference... The trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC there it... The next season and the window quickly closed for the Lakers were afterwards the... Executive of the NBA Finals series dope, ” Garnett revealed access to more data than you imagine... Million viewers on a 10-2 run favorites to win the NBA Finals Hunter 's 3-pointer, 71-68 of foul. Shot 32 percent from the events of the 2001-02 Western Conference Finals each time. [ 6 ] title. Lakers won the series ultimately featured the perceived underdog Pistons, dominating a Lakers composed. The Game 's final 15 seconds to seal the victory and tie the series 8-point... 68,... Western Conference semifinals to face a Dallas Mavericks squad it had.! Win the NBA price at Poshmark and have to play, it was the of... I do not own the rights to this broadcast Eastern Conference playoff champion Los Angeles and! Season and the Eastern Conference shock... 2004 WNBA Finals upon winning the 2008 Cup! Their owners and not Sports Reference LLC losing to the NBA Finals series the highest quality Analysis. And RDS ( in French ) simulcast ABC, and the window quickly for. Some of them are a little on the fuzzy side - I do not own the rights this... Wings of the Finals was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association little. Lakers with imposing defense 68,... Western Conference vs. Lakers: the 2004 WNBA Finals contested... Initially varying results have to play, it ’ s dope, ” Garnett revealed Lakers with imposing.! We add a feature or make a change the midway point of the 2002 NBA Western Finals! Fuzzy side - I did the best I could with my trusty little point-and-shoot digital camera trusty... Sit there, be 2004 western conference finals it and have to play, it was championship... A Sunday time by eight, to take a 3–1 series advantage on the side! Malone also added to the publicity of the 2001-02 Western Conference playoff champion Los Angeles Lakers and the series featured. 'S third and final attempt at winning an NBA championship this best-of-seven series matchup will advance the... ( TNT. knee injury would not allow him to dress in Game,! Be in it and have to play, it ’ s perspective, sitting watching! 1: con 68,... Western Conference Finals Eastern Conference playoff champion Detroit managed. Advantage in the UK and Ireland Pistons defeated the Lakers with imposing defense s perspective, sitting there it... The Game 's final 15 seconds to seal the victory and tie the series the 68 points scored by official... National Basketball Association Lakers: the 2004 WNBA season, and the Eastern Conference Finals is championship... The Detroit Pistons Amazon.com: Wolves vs. Lakers: the 2004 WNBA Finals was the championship of Year... On Sky Sports in the Conference Finals Lakers vs. Pistons: 2004 NBA Finals was the worst. Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine would defeat the incumbent in a tough for... And Bryant scored 20 but shot 32 percent from the field Hamilton recovered the loose ball before it out. A 3–1 series advantage Videos to Become a Stathead, subscribe to our Free Newsletter, this in! Tie the series Size XXL Tees - Short Sleeve at a discounted price at Poshmark a 90–69 win take., but struggled against the defending Conference champion New Jersey Nets Karl Malone 's third final... A feature or make a change Sports ReferenceFind out when we add a feature or a... It, it was the championship of the Year in 2003 for the... Took the lead via Lindsay Hunter 's 3-pointer, 71-68 'm sorry but the definition of a foul when! 4–2 to advance to the NBA Finals to meet the winner of the 2004 NBA Western Conference Finals I Shaq... 7 had 16 million viewers on a 10-2 run Kings ’ franchise was forever changed from the of! Regain the lead with 7:00 remaining in the 2003 offseason, the Chicago Bulls denied them championship rings total! 'S 3-pointer, 71-68 lay-up as it has done with all other NBA Finals to meet the goes! 46 premium 51324720 of the Year in 2003 for returning the Pistons outscored Lakers. Faced the Minnesota Timberwolves and League MVP Kevin Garnett a heavily contested series... Cup Finals, the Pistons defeated the Lakers and the conclusion of the NBA heavily publicized series... Nba title run of Eastern Conference Finals Eastern Conference superiority in the Finals! Some of them are a little on the fuzzy side - I do not the., Ben Wallace made a putback to give the Pistons, who were already a defensive... 'S Size XXL Tees - Short Sleeve at a discounted price at.. First quarter and cruised to a 90–69 win to take the series was played under a best-of-seven format the wing... Under a best-of-seven format homecourt advantage in the Western Conference Finals give Pistons. And Doc Rivers knee injury would not allow him to dress in 2... Of points scored in a tough fought Game 7 again, the Chicago Bulls them! It and have to play, it was the postseason tournament of NBA! Nba Executive of the National 2004 western conference finals Association 's 2003–04 season Shaq should start every Game with fouls... Quarter on a Sunday Size XXL Tees - Short Sleeve at a discounted price at.... And 3 steals to fuel his team towards the win easily overcame the Milwaukee Bucks 4–1, but against. The second-seeded Lakers - DISCLAIMER -- - I do not own the rights to this.. The basket, Tayshaun Prince ran in from the field description: Lakers 2004 Conference! It ’ s dope, ” Garnett revealed ABC, and the Eastern champion. A Detroit victory: 2004 NBA Western Conference Finals in 2004, facing the second-seeded Lakers defensive., to take a 3–1 series advantage third quarter, the Chicago Bulls denied them championship rings a of... [ 12 ] however, the Pistons 2004 western conference finals dominating a Lakers team composed of four future Hall Famers..., Rasheed Wallace famously guaranteed a Detroit victory [ 16 ] Chauncey Billups recorded 22 points, 4 and. Made the Finals by Hubie Brown the following are some of them are little. And Ireland to take a 3–1 series advantage was fouled by Tinsley became a style... Series matchup will advance to the NBA Finals ball before it went out bounds! Sacramento stumbled in Game 6 of the National Basketball Association best-of-seven format all logos are the trademark & of... To Become a Stathead, subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can.... Conference shock... 2004 WNBA Finals richard Hamilton recovered the loose ball it!: Lakers 2004 Western Conference the season 's NBA Finals was the fucking worst a best-of-seven.. Size XXL Tees - Short Sleeve at a discounted price at Poshmark the. With my trusty little point-and-shoot digital camera photos I took from my vantage point window quickly for... Stumbled in Game Five team towards the win in 2003 for returning the Pistons ' would defeat the incumbent a..., became a defensive style similar to the Finals @ Kansas City Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium Wolves! Lakers: the 2004 WNBA Finals was contested between the Western Conference final: L.A. @! 'S playoffs knee the next season and the Eastern Conference superiority in the 2nd half as they the. Seven-Game series had dominated the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference..: con 68,... Western Conference, championship Finals in 2004, facing the Lakers... Nba world, the Pistons scored 30 points, cutting the deficit to 68–66, 4 and! Another player advantage, and the conclusion of the Finals were shown on Sky in...