1992 NBA Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons, January 19, 1992, Hard-fought Defensive Battle
CHI 87, DET 85 – The skull-and-crossbones banner still hangs from the rafters of the Palace, home of the Detroit Pistons, but the once-feared “Bad Boys” no longer evoke the same level of respect. As the Bulls prepare for their first visit to Detroit since last season’s playoffs, they will encounter fans clad in red-and-black, signaling a shift in allegiance and the waning enthusiasm for the Pistons’ former dominance. The upcoming game is expected to be a landmark event: Michael Jordan, on an eight-game winning streak with the Bulls, might be booed on national TV for the first time.
Player of the game:
Michael Jordan: 34 PTS, 12-27 FGM, 44 FG%, 10-14 FTM, 6 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 3 TOV
The Pistons, despite being the measuring stick for the Bulls in past years, now face a reversal of fortunes. While the Pistons had a shaky start to the season with a 10-14 record by mid-December, they rebounded strongly, winning 12 of their next 14 games. The team, now older but still formidable, retained key players such as Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, and Dennis Rodman. Rodman was having a standout year, averaging a career-high 18.7 rebounds per game, but the Pistons’ defensive prowess was still evident.
In the game, the Bulls started strong with an early 16-8 lead thanks to sharp shooting from John Paxson, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan. However, the Pistons quickly regained control, out-rebounding Chicago 17-5 in the first quarter and leading 31-20. Despite a strong effort by Jordan and B.J. Armstrong in the second quarter, Detroit managed to maintain a slim lead, heading into halftime ahead 45-44. The third quarter saw the Bulls briefly take the lead, only for the Pistons to pull ahead again, ending the period with a 68-65 advantage.
The final quarter turned into a defensive battle, with Chicago struggling to score for the first six minutes. The Pistons seemed to be in control until crucial plays by Paxson, Pippen, and Jordan brought the Bulls back into the game. Jordan’s key free throws and a critical steal helped Chicago edge ahead 85-82. Despite a missed three-pointer by Isiah Thomas and some late-game free throw struggles, the Bulls managed to secure a hard-fought 86-84 victory. The win marked Chicago’s ninth consecutive triumph and kept their hopes for a 70-win season alive.
