1989: Bill Laimbeer #40 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the bench in a game during the 1988-1989 NBA season. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Just over 32 years ago, the Detroit Pistons began their reign over the Eastern Conference by knocking off the Chicago Bulls.
On May 18th, 1988, the Detroit Pistons eliminated Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the eastern conference semifinals.
This is significant because it was the beginning of the rivalry the teams would have from 1988-1991, with the Bulls finally getting past the Pistons in ‘91.
The Bulls were slowly improving over the years while the Pistons were a power in the eastern conference.