Back In The Day NBA, May 2, 1989: Vinnie "The Microwave" Johnson Heats Up To Lead Detroit Pistons Past Boston Celtics
At one point during the 1980s, the Boston Celtics versus the Detroit Pistons was one of the NBA's most fierce rivalries.
But by the end of the decade, it became one-sided. The Pistons completed a 3-0 sweep of the Celtics in the first round of the 1989 playoffs behind 25 points from reserve Vinnie "The Microwave" Johnson.
"Our bench was awesome tonight," Pistons guard Joe Dumars said. "They came off and each one of them did what they do best. [John] Salley and [Dennis] Rodman got out and ran, got some fast breaks, blocked some shots. Vinnie hit some tough jumpers. [James] Edwards hit a couple of turnaround jumpers."
The series was a sign of both franchises going different directions. The Pistons went on to win their championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics saw the end of their reign atop the Eastern Conference standings. Hall of Famer Larry Bird did not play because of injury and the Celtics lost in the first round for the first time since 1956.
'It felt like the longest year, that's for sure," Celtics forward Kevin McHale said. 'It felt like 190 games. It wasn't very much fun."
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