Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 4, 1990 TAG: 9006040062
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: AUBURN HILLS, MICH. LENGTH: Medium
Outscoring Chicago 31-14 in the second quarter, the Pistons advanced to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year with a 93-74 victory over the Bulls in the decisive seventh game of the Eastern Conference finals.
"Trying to win in Chicago was very difficult," said Isiah Thomas, who had 21 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. "We really had a chance to win one game there and they had a real chance only in the first game here.
"But homecourt advantage is why you try to win games in December and January, and we have it."
The home team won all seven games in this series, and the Pistons have the homecourt edge against the Trail Blazers. Game 1 of the finals is Tuesday night.
Reserves Mark Aguirre and John Salley keyed the second-period surge for the Pistons, who held a 48-33 lead at halftime. Chicago's Michael Jordan scored 12 of his 31 points in the third quarter as the Bulls closed a 22-point deficit to 10 - 69-59 - with 7:48 left.
But it wasn't enough against the Pistons, who won a seventh game for the first time in four attempts.
Playing in front of the 100th consecutive sellout at the Palace, the Pistons made it nine playoff victories in a row at home where they held the opponent under 100 points. The opposition has scored more than 100 in all four of Detroit's postseason road losses.
But once again, the Bulls couldn't find the right combination at the Palace, especially in the second quarter when Detroit was 14-for-17 from the field and Chicago 5-for-24.
The Bulls finished 28-for-90 as the Pistons established a team record for fewest points allowed in a playoff game.
Despite the final margin, Detroit coach Chuck Daly said seventh games are too scary to enjoy.
"When you're in a seventh game, so many things can happen," he said. "I thought it was Chicago Stadium out there again because it was so loud. The noise is a big, big factor. I haven't ever heard a louder crowd in this building."
The Pistons, trailing 19-17 after one quarter, tied the score five times before regaining the lead for good on a three-point play by Salley with 7:43 left in the second period.
That started an 11-0 run that made it 36-27, and the Pistons were rolling. Aguirre scored 10 points and Salley seven in the quarter as Detroit's reserves had 19 of the team's 31 points in the period.
Jordan, who averaged 39.3 points at Chicago and 26.8 at the Palace in the series, tried to bring his team back. But the Pistons ran off eight of the first 10 points in the fourth quarter and the Bulls never threatened again.
"Naturally, I'm disappointed," Jordan said. "We're still in a learning process. There's nothing we can do except get ready for next year."
Jordan said "pressure and nervousness" affected the team.
Horace Grant had 10 points and 14 rebounds, but was 3-for-17 from the field. Scottie Pippen, who said he was bothered by a migraine, was 1-for-10 and scored two points.
"I'm not going to point fingers or chew out my teammates," Jordan said. "I'm not supposed to do that. I was part of it. We got back on our heels and they overwhelmed us."
"We were beaten by a better team," Bulls coach Phil Jackson said, "but we got respect from the Pistons this time around. I anticipate we'll be better next year."
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB