00:48:25 - This week, we go way back to watch and discuss Game 1 of the 2004 Western Conference Finals between the Seattle Storm and the … Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. This Day in HIstory: On May 19, 2004 Kevin Garnett leads the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals on his 28th birthday. [19], Malone would play his last game, as a knee injury would not allow him to dress in Game Five. 2004 NBA Playoff Series 2004 Western Conference Finals Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Re-live the Timberwolves advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2004 through the eyes of Minnesota's son, Kevin Garnett. However, in the third quarter, the Pistons scored 30 points, cutting the deficit to 68–66. 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. We present them here for purely educational purposes. This season's NBA Finals was contested between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons. The 2004-2005 Pistons won 54 games and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers (5 games), Indiana Pacers (6 games) and Miami Heat (7 games) on their way back to the finals. The Western Conference Finals is one of two pro basketball conference series of the National Basketball Association. This week, we go way back to watch and discuss Game 1 of the 2004 Western Conference Finals between the Seattle Storm and the Sacramento Monarchs! [20], In Game 5, the Pistons won their first championship since 1990, and Larry Brown finally won a professional title. Wolves vs. Lakers: The 2004 Western Conference Finals By Locked On Podcast Network, Ben Beecken. To promote the series, the NBA used The Black Eyed Peas' song "Let's Get It Started", which it had also used throughout the 2004 NBA Playoffs.[24]. The finals were shown on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. They started the 1st Quarter on a 10-2 run. [12][13] It would be Malone's final chance to win a championship, as he would retire before the subsequent season.[14]. The series ultimately featured the perceived underdog Pistons, dominating a Lakers team composed of four future Hall of Famers. Considered to be a stunning upset by most of the NBA world, the Detroit Pistons managed to defeat the Lakers with imposing defense. 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. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? He landed defensive stalwart Ben Wallace and guard Richard Hamilton by trading established stars in controversial trades, signed Chauncey Billups (considered an underachiever), and drafted Tayshaun Prince with the 23rd pick in the 2002 Draft. Lindsey Hunter would rejoin the Pistons a week later after being waived by the Celtics, and would be partnered with Mike James to create a formidable guard tandem off the bench dubbed "The Pit Bulls." 1) Timberwolves 4. Coach Brown wanted to foul a Lakers player where they could get only 2 points rather than 3. The following 2004-05 NBA season was a tough one for the Lakers. This win marked the Pistons' fifth win overall as a franchise (including two NBL championships: in 1944 and 1945 as the Fort Wayne Pistons) as well as its first NBA title since two 1989-90 NBA championship seasons; nearly fifteen years. 2004 NBA Western Conference playoffs . 2004 NBA Western Conference Finals Lakers vs. Timberwolves League Champion: Detroit Pistons. The Pistons became the fourth team to sweep the middle three games since the NBA started using the 2-3-2 format in 1985, but the first to do so at home; the previous three times this had occurred, it was done by away teams (1990 Pistons, 1991 Chicago Bulls, 2001 Lakers). This was the first Finals series to be played on a Sunday–Tuesday–Thursday rotation since 1990, the last year CBS had the NBA's national television contract. 2004 NHL Western Conference Quarter-Finals Calgary Flames defeat Vancouver Canucks 4-3 4) Kings 4. Description This week, we go way back to watch and discuss Game 1 of the 2004 Western Conference Finals between the Seattle Storm and the Sacramento Monarchs! They became the first team in NBA history to hold five consecutive opponents under 70 points, and finished the season with a 54–28 record and the third seed in the Eastern Conference.[9]. More Episodes As Miller approached the basket, Tayshaun Prince ran in from the left wing and blocked Miller's lay-up as it left his fingertips. † – 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 68 points scored by the Lakers set a franchise record for the lowest number of points scored in a playoff game. Head coach Phil Jackson abruptly resigned, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat; Gary Payton was dealt to the Celtics, and Karl Malone was left unsigned, which subsequently resulted in Malone's retirement following the start of 2005–06 NBA season. This format was only used in the Finals; all other playoff series were held in a 2–2–1–1–1 format (the team with home court advantage starts).[11]. 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. Entering the series, the Lakers were considered the heavy favorites. NBC switched to a Wednesday-Friday-Sunday rotation in 1991, which was used through 2003, save for Monday games in 1999 and 2000 (and a potential Tuesday game in 1999, had that Finals reached 7 games). Condition is "Pre-owned". I'm sorry but the definition of a foul is when a player gains an unfair advantage over another player. 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. Needing to find a point guard and a power forward to defend against Tim Duncan and the Spurs, the Lakers signed veteran stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone for well below market value; they also hoped to give both veterans their first championship ring. – Listen to 2004 Western Conference Finals Game 1 by Double Down WNBA Podcast instantly on your tablet, phone or browser - no downloads needed. conference finals eastern conference shock ... 2004 wnba finals. 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. This season's NBA Finals was contested between the Western Conference playoff champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Eastern Conference playoff champion Detroit Pistons. The Pistons would continue their run of Eastern Conference superiority in the ensuing 3 years; losing in the Conference Finals each time. the official stats partner of the NBA. After a particularly painful loss to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the 2007-08 season, management would finally break up the core of the team and enter a period of losing seasons. The game saw the end of Phil Jackson's first run as the coach[21] (he returned in the 2005-06 season[22]), and saw O'Neal, Payton, and Malone's last games in Laker uniforms.[23]. Subscribe to our Free Newsletter, This Month in Sports ReferenceFind out when we add a feature or make a change. Do you have a sports website? Finals MVP: Chauncey Billups (21.0 / 3.2 / 5.2), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 17, 4:21AM. 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 We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. The Lakers' collapse became apparent in the days following the Finals. The Spurs beat the Lakers in 6 games. Hack-a-Shaq, inconsistent officiating, poisoned room service, and the road to the last three-peat: an oral history of the 2002 Western Conference finals, between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, the final chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in recent NBA history At halftime, The Pistons led by seven, 39-32. Pistons' owner William Davidson became the first owner in American sports history to win two championships in one calendar year; eight days earlier, the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Tampa Bay Lightning had defeated the Calgary Flames to win the Stanley Cup Finals in seven games. However, the Pistons' veterans only wanted to intentionally foul O'Neal. Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP. It is also the last series to have Game 1 be played on a Sunday. 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. However the Spurs, who play a defensive style similar to the Pistons' would defeat the incumbent in a tough fought Game 7. After falling behind by 12 early in Game 6, the Pistons stormed back in the second quarter and held on for an 81-75 victory to force a seventh game. ... Minnesota was the #1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and Garnett, with an average of 24 points/14 rebounds/5 assists, plus his defensive prowess, was named MVP. All the Kings’ Men. The Pistons made the Finals again in 2005, losing to the Spurs in a heavily contested seven-game series. The MLS Cup Playoffs began on September 20. The Pistons led by three points with 10.9 seconds remaining in the final period. Again, the Pistons defeated the Lakers, although this time by eight, to take a 3–1 series advantage. All rights reserved. Listen now. However, the Lakers used a 7-0 run to regain the lead with 7:00 remaining in the 4th Quarter. [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. Hamilton would make three free throws in the game's final 15 seconds to seal the victory and tie the series. Los Angeles mostly breezed by its Western Conference competition to get to the Finals on the backs of Shaquille O’Neal, … About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us … [12] However, the Chicago Bulls denied them championship rings a total of three times. Richard Hamilton recovered the loose ball before it went out of bounds and was fouled by Tinsley. 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 games were broadcast on ABC by Al Michaels and Doc Rivers. [10], 2nd seed in the West, 4th best league record, 3rd seed in the East, 6th best league record. This game also marked the end of Karl Malone's third and final attempt at winning an NBA championship. Playoffs Summary. The Golden State Warriors have won the Western Conference Finals the last five years, which includes their 2019 victory over the … [3] Then, they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves and league MVP Kevin Garnett. The Lakers held home court advantage, and the series was played under a best-of-seve… Are you a Stathead, too? NBA. [2] The Lakers had a lineup of Stars such as Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal—their offensive capability was expected to overpower Detroit's defensive-based game plan. Lakers vs. Pistons: 2004 NBA Finals The Lakers held homecourt advantage in the 2-3-2 Finals series format. December 15 2012. [16] Chauncey Billups recorded 22 points, 4 assists and 3 steals to fuel his team towards the win. Western Conference Finals I think Shaq should start every game with 3 fouls. [1], In the 2003 offseason, the Lakers made major changes, with initially varying results. Payton and Malone also added to the publicity of the Finals. The Pistons beat Los Angeles by 20 in their first NBA Finals appearance together at The Palace of Auburn Hills since 1990 to take a 2–1 lead in the series. Upon winning the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, the Red Wings of the NHL increased this total to 22. In decent condition Does have a stain on the bottom front as seen in photos as well as on the side but can easily be removed when washed and treated properly Please review … CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (, The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, "Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title", "After 19 years, Malone rides off into sunset", "Billups, Pistons Swipe Home-Court Advantage", "Billups helps Detroit shock Lakers in Game 1", "Los Angeles Lakers 80, Detroit Pistons 88", "Phil Jackson details clashes with Kobe Bryant", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2004_NBA_Finals&oldid=1011282335, June 2004 sports events in the United States, Pages using Template:College with unsupported name, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 10 March 2021, at 01:14. Data Provided By Your ticket to the action: watch the whole league or your favorite team, choose a single game, or check out more options. Nike Los Angeles Lakers 2004 western Conference Champions The finals Snap Back | … The Lakers held home court advantage, and the series was played under a best-of-seven format. Copyright © 2000-2021 Sports Reference LLC. Shipped with USPS First Class. In Canada, Leafs TV and RDS (in French) simulcast ABC, and Azteca 13 broadcast the Finals in Mexico. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 8) Nuggets 1. The Pistons rode the momentum of Game 2 (including dominant wins in Games 3 and 5) to a 4–2 series victory, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in 14 years. Prior to Game 2, Rasheed Wallace famously guaranteed a Detroit victory. 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. O'Neal recorded 34 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers. Sports Quiz / 2004 NHL Western Conference Playoff Rosters Random Sports or NHL Quiz Can you name the 2004 Western Conference Playoff Rosters? VTG LAKERS 2004 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS “0.4 SECONDS” XXL T SHIRT KOBE Lamar. Sam Cassell was a last-minute scratch from the Minnesota Timberwolves' starting lineup before Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. 2004 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Pistons vs. Pacers League Champion: Detroit Pistons. ^ – MLS did not have draws until the 2000 season. Friday, May 28, 2004. 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. Reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2004 Re-live the Timberwolves advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2004 through the eyes of Minnesota's son, Kevin Garnett. The Lakers were afterwards considered the favorites to win the NBA title. The season ended with the San Antonio Spurs defeating the defending-champion Detroit Pistons, 4–3, in … The winner goes to the NBA Finals to meet the winner of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2003–04 National Basketball Association season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs.This season's NBA Finals was contested between the Western Conference playoff champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Eastern Conference playoff … In 2004, the Detroit Pistons faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the biggest Finals upsets in recent history. 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. ... who got within one game of the NBA Finals. He was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2003 for returning the Pistons to prominence.[6]. Do you have a blog? The Minnesota Timberwolves headed into the 2004 Western Conference Finals with myriad injuries while the Lakers were relying in aging stars to support Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. [2], During the regular season, after starting the season 18–3, the Lakers were afflicted by numerous injuries and stumbled to a 56–26 record to finish the season with the second seed in the Western Conference. In Game 3, the Pistons were on fire to start. By the time of Jordan's second retirement in 1998, the two veterans were aged and failed to lead their teams deep into the playoffs. Or write about sports? 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. The Pistons never trailed after the midway point of the first quarter and cruised to a 90–69 win to take the series. In the Eastern Conference Finals, a match up with the 61-win, Carlisle-led Indiana Pacers, the Pistons faltered in the final 90 seconds of Game 1, falling 78–74. Since 2005, Game 1 has been played on a Thursday each year, with the exceptions of 2011 and 2012, when it was played on a Tuesday. The top-seeded Timberwolves made their first-ever appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2004, facing the second-seeded Lakers. Meanwhile, the Kings cruised into the Western Conference semifinals to face a Dallas Mavericks squad it had dominated. [1], The Lakers breezed past their first-round opponent, the Houston Rockets, headlining a matchup between Shaquille O'Neal and a young Yao Ming, defeating the squad 4-1 but then lost the first two games in their series against the Spurs before a dramatic comeback that saw them win 4–2. The Pistons' win was the 21st championship between the four professional sports teams in Detroit (NFL's Lions, MLB's Tigers and NHL's Red Wings). Rivers was replaced by Hubie Brown the following season. Brent Musburger and Dr. Jack Ramsay broadcast the Finals nationally on ESPN Radio. The Pistons trailed the Lakers 41–40 at halftime, but by the fourth quarter the Pistons had opened up a 13-point lead; they would not trail for the rest of the game. Winning a mere 34 games and missing the playoffs for only the fifth time in the team's history, the Lakers' 2004-2005 season was wholly forgettable. 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 Lakers had won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, but lost to the eventual champions, the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals in 2003 to end their streak at three. 2004 Western Conference Finals Game 1. With 47 seconds remaining, Ben Wallace made a putback to give the Pistons a 6-point advantage. . ... 1st round Conference Semifinals Conference Finals: NBA Finals Western Conference. In Game 2, the Lakers had an 8-point lead at halftime, 44-36. [8] The Pistons, who were already a good defensive team, became a defensive force to be reckoned with. With nike swish on side and "The finals " embroidery on brim. The teams split the two meetings, each won by the home team: The Finals were played using a 2–3–2 site format, where the first two and last two games are held at the team with home court advantage.