After their dramatic trip to the Eastern Conference Finals the Pistons found themselves among the NBA elite teams as they captured the Central Division with a solid 54-28 record while playing in front of record crowds at the Silverdome. The Pistons who had 7 players average double digit in scoring would be put to the test in the first round as they need to beat the Washington Bullets in a 5th game after nearly blowing a 2-0 series lead. However, in the 2nd round the Pistons would play up to their regular season levels as they beat the Chicago Bulls in 5 games to set up a Eastern Finals rematch with the Boston Celtics. After the home team won all 7 games the year previously the Pistons appeared to have the upper hand taking Game 2 in Boston. However, after taking Game 3 at the SIlverdome the Pistons would find themselves needing to win Boston again after the Celtics evened the series with a 1-point win in Game 4. This time the Pistons would not let Game 5 get away as they won 102-96, before closing the series out at home in 6 games to reach the NBA finals for the first time since moving to Detroit. In the NBA Finals the Pistons were matched up against the defending Champion Los Angeles Lakers. After splitting the first 2 games on the road the Pistons were welcomed by a record crowd at the Silverdome in Game 3. However, the Lakers would send the fans home unhappy as they beat the Pistons 99-86. The Pistons would bounce back winning Game 4 and Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead back to Los Angeles. Needing to win just 1 of the final 2 games the Pistons would drop Game 6 by 1 point. Game 7 would be another hard fought battle as Isiah Thomas played valiantly on a sprained ankle. However, it would not be enough as the Lakers won the NBA Championship with a 108-105 win.