The Pistons had one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, finishing 15–2 with their only losses to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Lakers won the Western Conference title without losing a game, and entered the NBA Finals as the heavy favorites.

[1] However, they were swept in the Finals by the Pistons, due in part to season-ending injuries suffered by Magic Johnson and Byron Scott.

Two rounds earlier, Jordan hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo at the buzzer to beat the Cavs.

The Boston Celtics' first-round playoff sweep by the Pistons was the first time they failed to get past the round of 16.

Former Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan made the first of 19 playoff appearances in a 22-year tenure.