youtube.com Pippen with 28 points, Jordan with 25.
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The Pistons had again reached the NBA Finals for the third time in as many years. However, unlike the previous two years, the Los Angeles Lakers were not waiting in the wings. This time, the Pistons would battle the Portland Trailblazers and All-Stars Clyde Drexler and Kevin Duckworth. The teams split the first two games at The Palace. As the series moved to the great northwest, the Pistons had some demons to overcome. They had not won in Portland in 16 years, a streak of 20 consecutive games. Dennis Rodman had an ankle injury and Vinnie Johnson was mired in a three for 25 shooting slump. To make matters worse, about 90 minutes before tip-off, Joe Dumars father, Joe Dumars II, passed away from complications caused by diabetes. On the advice of Joes wife, Daly withheld the information until after the game. The unaware Dumars tallied 33 points and Vinnie Johnson ended his slump with 21 points. After the game, Dumars received the devastating information. Dumars mother insisted that he remain with the team and finish the job they had begun. The Pistons also won Game Four 112-109, to take a commanding three games to one series lead. The Pistons faced a tough test in Game Five. It is often said that a team facing elimination is most dangerous. The Blazers were now forced to play for their playoff lives. The Pistons trailed 90-83 with two minutes left and Isiah Thomas on the bench, bloody from an inadvertent elbow to his nose. The Pistons scored seven consecutive points and with …
