April 21, 1991 - All things considered, this wasn't a particularly physical game by typical Pistons-Bulls standards. In fact, with this being the regular season finale with little on the line, Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas' evenings were already over by this point in the contest. Nonetheless, NBA official Darrell Garretson felt obliged to nip any potential for extracurricular activity in the bud, leading to the unusual decision to pull both Jordan and Thomas from their respective benches for a mid-game meeting. The game finished without incident, with the Bulls emerging with 108-100 win.
The loss rounded out an unceremonious conclusion to the 1991 regular season for the Pistons. After beginning the season 13-2, injuries and lethargy mounted with each passing month. Following Isiah Thomas' mid-winter wrist operation, the Pistons finished by going 17-19 over the final three months of the regular season.
After Thomas' preemptive return, the Pistons were pushed to the limit in the first round by the 43-win Atlanta Hawks. In the following round, it was Thomas' unlikely 3-point bank shot in overtime of Game 6 that moved the Pistons beyond the delipidated Boston Celtics. Their reward for such perseverance: a date with the 61-win Bulls. Chicago made quick work of the Pistons, eliminating them in four games en route to winning their first NBA title.
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Special thanks to Hardwood and Hoops.
