The sign of a successful franchise is championships in multiple eras. Pistons made 5 straight conference finals, 3 straight NBA finals, and won 2 championships, but with the same core group. Winning again 15 years later is a validation of sorts. I went to the first finals, and one of the last Pistons games at the silverdome. It was a blast yelling beat LA. Unfortunately, Isiah blew a tire in game 6 and the Lakers walked off with a title.
Funny thing about injuries. The Pistons were almost forced to apologize for winning the title when Magic got hurt, yet the entire time that announcers made excuses for the Lakers that year they never mentioned Thomas's critical Game 6 injury from the year before (when Detroit had a lead in the game and series). Seeing 80s replays this year, it was the same thing. No mention of how the Pistons star went down the year before, just about how the Pistons won when Magic pulled a hammy. Now this year, all we hear about are the Lakers injuries and how Karl sat out and everybody else has something hurting. As if every team at this point in the year isn't feeling some pain.
Get over it - the Pistons spanked the Lakers and sent them home to have abig dysfunctional family spat. Its the last we will see of this spoiled bunch. I kind of like the Pistons model of basketball and professionalism myself. Then again, I am biased
