Michael Jordan faced many teams during his 15-year career in the NBA, but his biggest rivals were none other than the ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons featured the likes of Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, Dennis Rodman, and Joe Dumars, who did everything in their power to stop Mike, including trying to physically hurt him. Speaking of his battles with the Pistons, MJ once dunked on three Pistons players while getting smacked on his head.
It was truly an unstoppable dunk by Jordan. MJ left Rodman and Salley clueless, then threw it down at the rim.
Speaking of the game, Mike’s phenomenal dunk took place in Game 4 of the 1989 Eastern Conference Finals. The final score finished 86-80 in favor of the Pistons. As for Michael’s performance, it was a rare off-night from him as he finished with 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 5-15 from the field.
The Pistons leveled the series at 2-2 following the win and then went on to win the next two games in the series as well. Isiah Thomas led the Pistons to the 1989 NBA Finals, where the organization won its first ring in franchise history by sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers.
Michael Jordan Eventually Overcame His Biggest Rivals
The Detroit Pistons created the ‘Jordan Rules’ to stop Michael Jordan in his tracks. It was undoubtedly a herculean task for Mike, especially after being on the losing side against the Pistons for three straight years during the playoffs.
Despite losing against the Pistons in 1988, 1989, and 1990, Michael Jordan was putting up great numbers. Here’s a look at MJ’s stats during those three postseasons.
1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls 4-1
Michael Jordan Stats: 27.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 49.1 FG%
1989 Eastern Conference Finals: Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls 4-2
Michael Jordan Stats: 29.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 46.0 FG%
1990 Eastern Conference Finals: Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls 4-3
Michael Jordan Stats: 32.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 46.7 FG%
With each passing season, Jordan only got better and finally dominated the Detroit Pistons. In 1991, Mike finally got past the Pistons and never looked back.
1991 Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons 4-0
Michael Jordan Stats: 29.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 7.0 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 53.5 FG%
Sweeping the biggest rivals of his career was truly an amazing end to his rivalry with the Pistons. Following that, Michael Jordan went on to win six NBA Championships during the 1990s.
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