Detroit Pistons: Memories of The Palace of Auburn Hills
Deeeeeeeeeeeeee-troit Basketball
When fans of the Pistons think about Detroit basketball, it’s difficult to not think of a few things. The first being the Bad Boy era, led by Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and company. The Bad Boys acquired the first NBA Championship for the city of Detroit just a year after The Palace opened and concluded their ride with another championship and three conference titles.
bad boy identity. How the Pistons came to represent the city of Detroit. light
The second thing that Pistons fans fondly remember about the Palace would be public address announcer, and known WJLB host, John Mason, and his legendary player introductions. The ultimate hype-man. The kind of announcer that can make the goosebumps on your arms show. And the man that created the phrase that embodied the “Goin’ To Work” Pistons, “Deeeeeeeeeeeeeee-troit Basketball!”
The “Goin’ To Work” Pistons were an exciting team to watch. Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace all brought their own personalities to the court. This era of Detroit basketball grabbed two conference championships en route to six straight Eastern Conference Finals trips and one NBA title. That NBA title saw the team take down the colossal, historic Los Angeles Lakers team who won three of the last four NBA Finals.
opinion. What made the Goin' to Work Pistons enjoyable to watch. light
The Detroit Shock, now the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, also added to the championship banners that hung in the rafters of The Palace. Bill Laimbeer coached the Shock during its prime years. Laimbeer and his Shock notched three WNBA Championships in six years between 2003-08. The 2003 team became known as the “Worst to First” team as they went from a 9-23 record in 2002 to finishing in 2003 with a 25-9 record.
Cheryl Ford won Rookie of the Year in 2003 as her efforts helped Swin Cash and the rest of the roster secure the 2003 title. Cash is the only member of the Detroit Shock to have her jersey retired, though I’m sure Ford and Deanna Nolan would have had theirs retired if the franchise stayed in Detroit.
As the Palace walls come crumbling down, it’s important to reflect on the fond memories. The banners hanging at the ceiling and Mason’s voice booming over the PA system. But there’s also a memory, not the greatest, that I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss it.