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===2000β2008: "Goin' to Work" era=== ====2000β2002: Building a contender==== After being swept by the [[1999β2000 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]] in the [[2000 NBA playoffs|2000 playoffs]], Joe Dumars, who had retired following the 1998β99 season, was hired as the team's president of basketball operations.<ref>{{cite web|first=Susan|last=Martin|title=Pistons Name Irvine, Dumars|url=https://buffalonews.com/2000/06/07/pistons-name-irvine-dumars/|website=The Buffalo News|date=June 7, 2000|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229175059/https://buffalonews.com/news/pistons-name-irvine-dumars/article_2f779796-1059-5552-8c65-90f084ecec77.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He quickly faced what appeared to be a setback for the franchise, as Grant Hill elected to leave for the [[Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Report: Grant Hill Headed to Orlando|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100952&page=1|website=ABC News|date=July 5, 2000|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729234016/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100952&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Dumars worked a [[sign and trade]] with Orlando that brought the Pistons [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]] and [[Chucky Atkins]] in exchange for Hill.<ref>{{cite web|title=Magic's Strength No Illusion|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/magics-strength-no-illusion/|website=CBS News|date=August 3, 2000|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022094351/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/magics-strength-no-illusion/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both quickly entered the Pistons' starting lineup. Wallace in particular developed into a defensive stalwart in the coming years.<ref name="Teal Era"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Eno|title=Unwanted Ben Wallace Started Detroit Pistons' 21 Century Re-Birth|url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/232333-unwanted-ben-wallace-started-detroit-pistons-21-century-re-birth|website=Bleacher Report|date=August 8, 2009|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010529/http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/232333-unwanted-ben-wallace-started-detroit-pistons-21-century-re-birth|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Hill played only 47 games in the following three seasons due to a recurring ankle injury.<ref name="Teal Era"/> [[File:Larry Brown 2005.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Larry Brown coached the Pistons to the [[2004 NBA Finals|2004 NBA title]] and the Eastern Conference championship [[2005 NBA Finals|the following season]].]] The Pistons suffered through another tough season in [[2000β01 NBA season|2000β01]], going 32β50 despite [[Jerry Stackhouse]] averaging 29.8 points a game.<ref>{{cite web|title=2000-01 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2001.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620012637/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2001.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season, the Pistons fired George Irvine as head coach and hired [[Rick Carlisle]], a widely respected assistant coach who had been a contributor for the [[Boston Celtics|Celtics]] during the mid-1980s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Carlisle named Pistons coach|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/0520/1201914.html|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 27, 2001|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310074132/http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/0520/1201914.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The franchise also returned to its traditional red, white, and blue colors.<ref name="Teal Era"/> Carlisle helped lead the Pistons to their first 50-win season since [[1996β97 NBA season|1997]], and their first [[2002 NBA playoffs|playoff series]] victory since 1991 by defeating the [[2001β02 Toronto Raptors season|Toronto Raptors]] in five games.<ref>{{cite web|title=2001-02 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2002.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609160258/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2002.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stack Comes Through to Help Pistons Move On|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020502/TORDET/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 2, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805073059/http://www.nba.com/games/20020502/TORDET/recap.html|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> They lost, however, to the [[2001β02 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] in five games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balanced Celtics Wear Down Pistons to Move On|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/BOSDET/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 14, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213222144/http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/BOSDET/recap.html|archive-date=December 13, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> ====2003β2008: Six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals==== In the 2002 off-season, Joe Dumars revamped the roster by signing free agent [[Chauncey Billups]], acquiring [[Richard Hamilton (basketball)|Richard "Rip" Hamilton]] from the [[Washington Wizards]], and drafting [[Tayshaun Prince]] from [[University of Kentucky|Kentucky]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free Agent Guard Chauncey Billups|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billupssign_020717.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 17, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909000508/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billupssign_020717.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL; Pistons' Stackhouse Traded to Wizards|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/12/sports/plus-pro-basketball-pistons-stackhouse-traded-to-wizards.html|website=The New York Times|date=September 12, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=May 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521145941/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/12/sports/plus-pro-basketball-pistons-stackhouse-traded-to-wizards.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NBA Draft history: 2002 Draft|url=http://www.nba.com/history/draft/2002-draft/|website=NBA.com|date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205640/http://www.nba.com/history/draft/2002-draft/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref> The Pistons posted consecutive 50-win seasons and advanced to the [[2003 NBA playoffs|2003 Eastern Conference Finals]] for the first time since 1991.<ref>{{cite web|title=2002-03 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2003.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612171931/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2003.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Slip Past Sixers in OT, Off to Conference Finals|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030516/DETPHI/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 16, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310013442/http://www.nba.com/games/20030516/DETPHI/recap.html|archive-date=March 10, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> There, however, they were swept in four games by the [[2002β03 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey Nets]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kidd Drives Nets Back to NBA Finals|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030524/DETNJN/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 24, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310011446/http://www.nba.com/games/20030524/DETNJN/recap.html|archive-date=March 10, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the team's improvement, Rick Carlisle was fired in the 2003 off-season. There were believed to be five reasons for the firing: first, that Carlisle had appeared reluctant to play some of the team's younger players, such as Prince and [[Mehmet Okur]], during the regular season; second, that some of the players had not gotten along with Carlisle; third, that Carlisle's offense was thought to be conservative; fourth, that [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]] [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]] had become available; and fifth, that Carlisle was rumored to have alienated owner Bill Davidson with his personality.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ric|last=Bucher|title=No sense trying to explain Carlisle's firing|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/columns/bucher_ric/1561441.html|website=ESPN.com|date=June 3, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611213749/http://a.espncdn.com/nba/columns/bucher_ric/1561441.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Smith|title=Pistons Fire Highly Successful Carlisle, Set Sights On Brown|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-06-01-0306010279-story.html|website=Orlando Sentinel|date=June 1, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921045219/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-06-01-0306010279-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Brown accepted the job that summer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Name Larry Brown as Head Coach|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/brown_headcoach_030602.html|website=Pistons.com|date=June 2, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408103521/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/brown_headcoach_030602.html|url-status=live}}</ref> <imagemap> File:Pistons starting 5.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The starting five of the Pistons' 2004 championship team. (Left-to right: [[Richard Hamilton (basketball)|Richard Hamilton]], [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]], [[Rasheed Wallace]], [[Chauncey Billups]], and [[Tayshaun Prince]]). rect 1492 308 1895 917 [[Chauncey Billups]] rect 1962 107 2437 934 [[Tayshaun Prince]] rect 67 328 392 1000 [[Richard Hamilton (basketball)|Richard Hamilton]] poly 766 1002 756 654 1182 210 1300 211 1484 662 1475 1001 [[Rasheed Wallace]] rect 424 357 628 999 [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]] default none [[:File:Pistons starting 5.jpg|Pistons' Starting five (2004).]] desc bottom-left </imagemap> [[File:2004 Detroit Pistons congratulated by George Bush.jpg|thumb|150px|left|The Pistons are honored at the [[White House]] for the team's victory in the [[2004 NBA Finals]].]] The Pistons' transformation into a championship team was completed with the February 2004 acquisition of [[Rasheed Wallace]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Wallace lands in Detroit in three-team deal|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1739128|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 20, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329083646/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1739128|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons now had another big man to pose a threat from all parts of the court.<ref name="2004 Pistons">{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Pinto|title=Top Moments: Pistons shock NBA world, win championship in 2004|url=https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2004-pistons-championship|website=NBA.com|date=May 21, 2013|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103150740/https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2004-pistons-championship|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2003β04 Detroit Pistons season|Pistons]] finished the [[2003β04 NBA season|season]] 54β28, recording their best record since 1997.<ref name="2004 Pistons"/> In the [[2004 NBA playoffs|2004 playoffs]], after defeating the [[2003β04 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] in five games, they defeated the defending Eastern Conference champion [[2003β04 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey Nets]] in seven games after coming back from a 3β2 deficit.<ref name="2004 Pistons"/> The Pistons then defeated the [[2003β04 Indiana Pacers season|Pacers]], coached by Rick Carlisle, in six tough games to advance to the [[2004 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] for the first time since 1990.<ref>{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Popper|title=For Pacers' Carlisle, a Grudge Match Minus the Grudge|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/22/sports/pro-basketball-for-pacers-carlisle-a-grudge-match-minus-the-grudge.html|website=The New York Times|date=May 22, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221327/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/22/sports/pro-basketball-for-pacers-carlisle-a-grudge-match-minus-the-grudge.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2004 Pistons"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Advance to N.B.A. Finals|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/01/sports/basketball/pistons-advance-to-nba-finals.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=June 1, 2004|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318042531/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/01/sports/basketball/pistons-advance-to-nba-finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Many analysts gave the Pistons little chance to win against their opponent, the [[2003β04 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]], who had won three out of the previous four NBA championships and who fielded a star-studded lineup that included [[Shaquille O'Neal]], [[Kobe Bryant]], [[Gary Payton]], and [[Karl Malone]].<ref name="2004 Pistons"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Putterman|title=Experts thought the Lakers would crush the Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. Not quite...|url=http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nba/everyone-thought-the-lakers-would-crush-the-pistons-in-the-2004-nba-finals-not-quite.html|website=The Comeback|date=June 6, 2017|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=June 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616101948/http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nba/everyone-thought-the-lakers-would-crush-the-pistons-in-the-2004-nba-finals-not-quite.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Pistons won the series in dominating fashion, defeating Los Angeles in five games for the team's third NBA championship.<ref name="2004 Pistons"/><ref name="Game 5">{{cite web|title=Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040615/LALDET/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321135536/http://www.nba.com/games/20040615/LALDET/recap.html|archive-date=March 21, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Pistons posted double-digit wins in three of their four victories and held the Lakers to a franchise-low 68 points in Game 3.<ref name="2004 Pistons"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton leads rout with 31 points|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240610008|website=ESPN.com|date=June 11, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421174659/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240610008|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP.<ref name="2004 Pistons"/><ref name="Game 5"/> With the win, Bill Davidson became the first owner to win both an NBA and [[Stanley Cup|NHL championship]] in the same calendar year, as he had also won the [[2004 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup]] as owner of the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]].<ref name=Davidson/> Despite losing key members of their bench during the off-season (including Okur, [[Mike James (basketball, born 1975)|Mike James]] and [[Corliss Williamson]]), the [[2004β05 Detroit Pistons season|Pistons]] were considered a strong contender to win a second consecutive title in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=2004-05 Season Preview: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/preview2004/det.html|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111134046/https://www.nba.com/preview2004/det.html|archive-date=November 11, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref> They won 54 games during the [[2004β05 NBA season|regular season]], their fourth consecutive season of 50 or more wins.<ref>{{cite web|title=2004-05 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2005.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618210324/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2005.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the [[2005 NBA playoffs|2005 playoffs]], they easily defeated the [[2004β05 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] 4β1 and then rallied from a 2β1 deficit to finish off the [[2004β05 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana Pacers]], 4β2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit finishes with a flourish in the fourth|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=250503008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 4, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421140327/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=250503008|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Setting the Pace|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050513/DETIND/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 13, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309132437/http://www.nba.com/games/20050513/DETIND/recap.html|archive-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Retire Miller's Pacers; Move On to Face Heat|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050519/DETIND/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 19, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324071505/http://www.nba.com/games/20050519/DETIND/recap.html|archive-date=March 24, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons faced the [[2004β05 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]]. Once again, the Pistons fell behind.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heat Take 3-2 Series Lead Despite Losing Wade to Injury|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050602/DETMIA/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 2, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430025614/http://www.nba.com/games/20050602/DETMIA/recap.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, they ultimately won the series in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Overcame Heat; Will Defend Title vs. Spurs|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050606/DETMIA/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 6, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119130940/http://www.nba.com/games/20050606/DETMIA/recap.html|archive-date=January 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the [[2005 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]], the Pistons faced the [[2004β05 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]]. After the teams split the first four games of the series, the turning point came at the end of Game 5 in Detroit, which went into overtime. The Pistons were ahead 95β93 when [[Robert Horry]] sank the game-winning three-point basket for the Spurs with 5.8 seconds left in the extra session.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sekou|last=Smith|title=Top NBA Finals moments: Robert Horry saves day for San Antonio Spurs|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2017/05/10/top-nba-finals-moments-robert-horry-3-pointers-game-5-2005-finals|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224150131/https://www.nba.com/article/2017/05/10/top-nba-finals-moments-robert-horry-3-pointers-game-5-2005-finals|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons fought back to win Game 6 in San Antonio, setting up the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title=Engine That Won't Quit: Pistons Force Game 7|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050621/DETSAS/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 21, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316032055/http://www.nba.com/games/20050621/DETSAS/recap.html|archive-date=March 16, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Pistons then lost a hard-fought, low-scoring game to the Spurs, who won their third NBA championship since 1999.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spurs Dethrone Pistons To Take Third NBA Title|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 23, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109163326/http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html|archive-date=January 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Pistons' 2004β05 season was marked by a major controversy, as well as distracting issues involving Larry Brown.<ref name="lesson">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=hill/091118|title=The Brawl: Were lessons learned?|first=Jemele|last=Hill|date=November 18, 2009|work=ESPN.com|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104061759/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=hill%2F091118|archive-date=November 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Brown>{{cite web|title=The Larry Brown Circus Rolls Out of Detroit|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/325/the-larry-brown-circus-rolls-out-of-detroit|website=ESPN.com|date=July 19, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113211007/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/325/the-larry-brown-circus-rolls-out-of-detroit|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first month of the season, the infamous [[Malice at the Palace]] erupted between the Pacers and the Pistons, one of the [[Violence in sports|largest fan-player incidents]] in the history of American sports.<ref name="lesson"/> It resulted in heavy fines and suspensions for several players and a great deal of NBA and media scrutiny.<ref name="lesson"/> Meanwhile, Brown was forced to leave the team on two occasions due to health concerns. During this time, he was the subject of a series of rumors linking him to other job openings.<ref name=Brown/> Concerned about Brown's health and angered over his alleged pursuit of other jobs during the season, the Pistons bought out his contract soon after the 2005 NBA Finals.<ref name=Brown/><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=McCosky|title=Pistons part ways with Brown after two seasons|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2005-07-19-brown-settlement_x.htm|website=USA Today|agency=The Detroit News|date=July 19, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612071845/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2005-07-19-brown-settlement_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Brown was promptly named head coach of the New York Knicks, while the Pistons hired [[Flip Saunders]], formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Pedulla|title=Knicks, Brown make move official|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/knicks/2005-07-27-larry-brown_x.htm|website=USA Today|date=July 27, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201002332/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/knicks/2005-07-27-larry-brown_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Name Flip Saunders as Head Coach|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/saunders_050721.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 21, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114011017/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/saunders_050721.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:ChaunceyBillupsWizards.jpg|thumb|Chauncey Billups was the 2004 NBA Finals MVP and made three All-Star appearances during his first stint with the Pistons.]] During the [[2005β06 NBA season|2005β06 season]], the Pistons recorded the NBA's best overall record.<ref name="2006 preview">{{cite web|title=2006-07 Season Preview: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/preview2006/det.html|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113211226/https://www.nba.com/preview2006/det.html|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref> Their 37β5 start exceeded the best start for any Detroit sports franchise in history and tied for the fourth-best start through 42 games in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title='84 Tigers had the best start in the history of the game|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/14/84-tigers-best-start-history-game/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224153638/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/14/84-tigers-best-start-history-game/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Five Pistons hit double figures as Detroit wins 11th straight|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260129008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 30, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322193039/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260129008|archive-date=March 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> Four of the five Pistons starters (Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace) were named to the All-Star team, and Flip Saunders served as the Eastern Conference All-Star team coach.<ref name="2006 All-Star Game">{{cite web|title=Four Pistons Named as Reserves for 2006 NBA All-Star Game|url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/reserves_060209.html|website=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113212734/https://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/reserves_060209.html|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref> The Pistons finished the regular season with a record of 64β18, setting new franchise records for both overall and road victories (27).<ref name="2006 preview"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons survive late rally, beat Heat for sixth straight|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260406014|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 6, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140027/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260406014|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons rout Knicks for franchise-best 64th win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260416008 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 17, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422141706/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260416008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> In addition, the team set an NBA record by starting the same lineup in 73 consecutive games from the start of the season.<ref name="2006 preview"/> The top-seeded Pistons defeated the [[2005β06 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] 4β1 in the first round of the [[2006 NBA playoffs]], but struggled in the second round against the [[2005β06 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]], falling behind 3β2 before winning in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton nets 40 as Pistons oust Bucks from playoffs|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260503008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 4, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422173421/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260503008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LeBron and Co. put Pistons in 3-2 hole|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260517008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 18, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135659/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260517008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons hold Cavs to lowest point total in a game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260521008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 25, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115225216/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260521008|archive-date=November 15, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> Things did not improve against the second-seeded [[2005β06 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]] in the [[2006 NBA playoffs|Eastern Conference Finals]]. Miami defeated the Pistons in six games en route to the [[2006 NBA Finals|2006 NBA championship]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Heat dethrone Pistons, make first NBA Finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260602014|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422141653/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260602014|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wade Leads Heat to First NBA Championship|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060620/MIADAL/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 20, 2006|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201120130/http://www.nba.com/games/20060620/MIADAL/recap.html|archive-date=December 1, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the off-season, the Pistons offered Ben Wallace a four-year, $48 million contract, which would have made him the highest-paid player in franchise history at the time. However, Wallace agreed to a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Ford|title=Ben Wallace makes it official, signs with Bulls|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742|website=ESPN.com|date=July 13, 2006|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122215402/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742|url-status=live}}</ref> To replace Ben Wallace, the Pistons signed [[Nazr Mohammed]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2509256|title=Pistons add Mohammed to try to fill Wallace's void|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=July 4, 2006|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117070102/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2509256|url-status=live}}</ref> He struggled to fill the team's void at center, however, and the team began looking for additional help.<ref name="Disappointing"/> On January 16, 2007, the Pistons signed free agent [[Chris Webber]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free-Agent Forward/Center Chris Webber|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/pistons_sign_webber_070116.html|website=NBA.com|date=January 16, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117082235/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/pistons_sign_webber_070116.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons quickly began playing better basketball. They were only 21β15 before Webber was acquired; with him, the team went 32β14.<ref>{{cite web|title=Webber gets front-row view of Pistons' overtime loss|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270115008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421160558/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270115008|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Van Dusen|title=Home at Last: Remembering Chris Webber's brief run with the Pistons|url=https://detroitsportsnation.com/home-at-last-remembering-chris-webbers-brief-run-with-the-pistons/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/02/25/2016/62966/|website=Detroit Sports Nation|date=February 25, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422035237/https://detroitsportsnation.com/home-at-last-remembering-chris-webbers-brief-run-with-the-pistons/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/02/25/2016/62966/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 11, the Pistons clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference, which guaranteed them home-court advantage for first three rounds of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Billups, Pistons push past Magic, clinch 1st seed in East|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/270411008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173528/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/270411008|archive-date=November 11, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> The Pistons opened the [[2007 NBA playoffs]] with a 4β0 victory over the [[2006β07 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]], their first playoff series sweep since 1990.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons overcome poor 4th-quarter shooting to sweep Magic|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270428019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422133854/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270428019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> The team advanced to face the [[2006β07 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]], marking the first time that the Central Division rivals had met in the postseason since 1991.<ref>{{cite web|title=Second Round Notes: Chicago vs. Detroit|url=https://www.nba.com/media/bulls/detroit_notes_070503.pdf|website=NBA.com|publisher=Chicago Bulls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113212732/https://www.nba.com/media/bulls/detroit_notes_070503.pdf|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> After winning the first two games by 26 and 21 points, the Pistons overcame a 19-point deficit to win Game 3, 81β74.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons bury turnover-prone Bulls in Round 2 opener|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270505008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135848/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270505008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Roscoe|last=Nance|title=Pistons pound on Bulls again for 2-0 series lead|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-07-pistons-bulls-game-2_N.htm|website=USA Today|date=May 7, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809042050/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-07-pistons-bulls-game-2_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Billups, Prince spearhead Pistons' comeback win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270510004|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422134224/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270510004|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> The Bulls avoided elimination by winning Games 4 and 5, but the Pistons closed out the series, 95β85, in Game 6 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulls battle back vs. Pistons to avoid sweep|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-13-bulls-pistons-game-4_N.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=May 13, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809041743/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-13-bulls-pistons-game-4_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Krista|last=Jahnke|title=Bulls one step ahead of Pistons throughout Game 5|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-15-bulls-pistons-game-5_N.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Detroit Free Press|date=May 15, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809040901/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-15-bulls-pistons-game-5_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Krista|last=Jahnke|title=Pistons finally eliminate Bulls in Game 6|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-17-pistons-bulls_N.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Detroit Free Press|date=May 17, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809041253/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-17-pistons-bulls_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons faced the [[2006β07 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]]. After both teams split the first four games of the series, the turning point happened in Game 5. The game is best remembered for [[LeBron James]]' performance where he scored the Cavaliers' final 29 of 30 points, including the team's final 25 points, to help defeat the Pistons 109β107 in double overtime.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Pinto|title=Top Moments: LeBron James dominates Pistons en route to Finals|url=https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2007-lebron-pistons-playoffs|website=NBA.com|date=May 20, 2013|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=September 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917223938/http://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2007-lebron-pistons-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons never recovered as they were eliminated in Game 6, 98β82.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gibson's 31 points, James' balanced play puts Cavs in NBA Finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233029/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005|archive-date=July 5, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> In the [[2007 NBA draft]], the Pistons selected [[Rodney Stuckey]] with the 15th overall pick and [[Arron Afflalo]] with the 27th overall pick.<ref name="2007 draft">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2007/board.html|title=2007 NBA Draft Board|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307180118/http://www.nba.com/draft2007/board.html|archive-date=March 7, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> They also re-signed Chauncey Billups to a long-term contract, as well as top prospect [[Amir Johnson]] and key reserve [[Antonio McDyess]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Re-Sign Guard Chauncey Billups|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billups_signs_070711.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119101856/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billups_signs_070711.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=Staying Put|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/ajohnson_070713.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119101852/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/ajohnson_070713.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Ink Forward Antonio McDyess to Contract Extension|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyesss_070723.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119101829/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyesss_070723.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref> This season marked the 50th anniversary of the franchise in Detroit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/alltime_team_080318.html|title=Pistons to Name All-Time Team as Part of 50th Season Celebration on April 8|website=NBA.com|date=March 18, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031204/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/alltime_team_080318.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the start of the [[2007β08 NBA season|2007β08 season]], Rasheed Wallace became the Pistons' new center.<ref>{{cite web|title=Daily Dime 2007-08 Preview Edition: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-detroitpreview0708|website=ESPN.com|date=October 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012344/http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-detroitpreview0708|archive-date=September 2, 2017|access-date=November 13, 2018}}</ref> Upon entering his third season, Saunders became the longest-tenured Pistons coach since Chuck Daly.<ref name="Frank fired">{{cite web|title=Pistons fire head coach Lawrence Frank|url=https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/pistons-fire-head-coach-lawrence-frank-041813|website=Fox Sports|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=September 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902044905/http://www.foxsports.com/west/story/pistons-fire-head-coach-lawrence-frank-041813|url-status=live}}</ref> Detroit finished the season with the second-best record in the league at 59β23.<ref name="2008 standings">{{cite web|title=2007-08 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101163900/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2007β08 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] held the first seed, and many speculated that Boston was their main competition in the Eastern Conference.<ref name="2008 standings"/><ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Hollinger|title=Who will win it all? The numbers speak|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=playoffpredictions-080418|website=ESPN.com|date=April 18, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=September 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012558/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=playoffpredictions-080418|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2008 NBA playoffs]], Detroit started out poorly with a Game 1 loss to the seventh-seeded [[2007β08 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] and found themselves in a 2β1 deficit.<ref>{{cite web|title=76ers limit No. 2 seed Pistons to 35 2nd-half points in Game 1 upset|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280420008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140113/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280420008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dalembert spearheads Sixers' stifling defense in Game 3 win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280425020|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422134255/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280425020|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> However, the Pistons rallied to defeat the Sixers in six games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Strong start boosts Pistons past 76ers, into second round|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280501020|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140048/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280501020|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> In the semifinals, the Pistons faced the [[2007β08 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]]. The Pistons rolled out to a Game 1 romp,<ref>{{cite web|title=Howard fails to put up big numbers as Billups, Pistons win Game 1|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280503008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140034/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280503008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> and won a tight Game 2 amid mild controversy. At the very end of the third quarter, Chauncey Billups hit a three-point field goal that gave the Pistons a three-point lead. However, the clock had stopped shortly into the play. League rules currently prohibit officials from using both instant replay and a timing device to measure how much time has elapsed when a clock malfunctions, nor is a replay from the time of the malfunction onward allowed. The officials estimated that the play took 4.6 seconds, and since there were 5.1 seconds remaining when it began, the field goal was counted. The NBA later admitted that the play actually took 5.7 seconds and the basket should not have counted.<ref>{{cite web|title=After review, NBA says Billups' 3-pointer should not have counted|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3384577|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 7, 2008|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=March 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321114927/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3384577|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to losing Game 3 badly, 111β86, the Pistons also lost all-star point guard and team leader Chauncey Billups to a hamstring injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis leads way as Magic punish Pistons with 3-pointers in Game 3|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280507019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135427/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280507019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> Despite his absence, the Pistons rallied from 15 down in the third quarter to win Game 4 90β89 on a field goal by Tayshaun Prince with just 8.9 seconds to play, taking a 3β1 series lead.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton scores 32, Prince nails go-ahead shot to seal Game 4 win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280510019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422134117/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280510019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> Again with Billups sitting on the sideline, they then proceeded to win Game 5 in Detroit, winning the series 4β1.<ref name="Sixth ECF">{{cite web|title=Pistons pull away late to advance to 6th straight conference finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280513008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826182952/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280513008|archive-date=August 26, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> Detroit advanced to the [[NBA Conference Finals|Eastern Conference Finals]] for the sixth straight season, squaring off against the Celtics.<ref name="Sixth ECF"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Pierce, James duke it out as Celtics close out Cavs in Game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202224033/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002|archive-date=December 2, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> This put the Pistons second on the all-time list of most consecutive conference finals appearances, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals from the 1981β82 to 1988β89 seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reaching Five Consecutive Conference Finals|url=http://www.nba.com/news/5_conf_finals.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 17, 2007|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109191131/http://www.nba.com/news/5_conf_finals.html|archive-date=November 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> They lost Game 1 88β79, but won in Game 2 on the road, 103β97, marking the Celtics' first home court loss in the postseason.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics too much for Pistons as Boston maintains unbeaten record at home|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280520002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014341/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280520002|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton's 25 help Pistons derail Celtics, even Eastern finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280522002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014311/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280522002|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> Immediately following that, the Celtics won their first road game of the postseason, 94β80, in Game 3.<ref>{{cite web|title=Garnett, balanced Celtics stun Pistons for first playoff road win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280524008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014543/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280524008|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> Game 4 saw the Pistons win 94β75.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics have trouble with shot as Pistons send series to Boston tied 2-2|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280526008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014539/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280526008|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> In the pivotal Game 5 they lost 106β102, despite rallying from 17 points down late in the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics stifle Pistons' Game 5 push on Allen's jumper, free throws|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280528002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014130/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280528002|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> In Game 6, the Pistons entered the fourth quarter leading 70β60, but a lack of focus, a poor game from Rasheed Wallace, and a rally-killing turnover by Tayshaun Prince ultimately led to their demise; the Pistons ended their season with an 89β81 loss. In what would ultimately be a bellwether moment in the franchise's history, Wallace refused to take any post-game questions, simply walking back to the locker room afterwards, aware that Joe Dumars would likely start dismantling the team, saying only, "It's over, man."<ref>{{cite web|title=Pierce shoots Celtics to first Finals appearance since '87|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280530008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014518/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280530008|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> The Celtics went on to win the [[2008 NBA Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics smash Lakers, bring home 17th NBA championship|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280617002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403144612/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280617002|archive-date=April 3, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> On June 3, 2008, the Pistons announced that Saunders would not return as head coach.<ref name="saunders_fired">{{cite news|title=Source: Curry to succeed Saunders as Pistons seek new voice|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3423956|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=June 3, 2008|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221049/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3423956|url-status=live}}</ref>
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