Pistons legend Chauncey Billups sits on the list for the franchise’s top 5 all-time leaders for most points scored in a playoff game.
The Detroit Pistons have won three championships during their franchise history. With some of the best players in the history of the league wearing their uniform, they have seen some impressive playoff performances. Let’s highlight their top five all-time leaders for most points scored in a playoff game.
Dave Bing, 44 Points (1968 Eastern Division Semifinals, Game 6)
The Pistons selected Bing with the second pick in the 1966 Draft. He won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1966-67 and spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Pistons. Bing made three trips to the playoffs with the Pistons and had his best scoring performance in Game 6 of the 1968 Eastern Division Semifinals against the Celtics. He scored 44 points, shooting 19-for-38 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. The Pistons ultimately were eliminated them from the playoffs.
Isiah Thomas, 43 Points (1988 NBA Finals, Game 6)
The Pistons selected Thomas with the second pick in the 1981 Draft. He spent his entire career with the franchise, making 12 All-Star teams along the way. Thomas had his most productive playoff performance in Game 6 of the 1988 Finals when he scored 43 points across 44 minutes. He shot 18-for-32 from the field and 5-for-7 from the free-throw line. Despite his heroics, the Pistons lost the game and went on to lose the series in seven games. Thomas eventually won two championships with the Pistons and averaged 20.4 points across 111 career playoff games.
Chauncey Billups, 40 Points (2003 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 6)
Billups made six trips to the playoffs as a member of the Pistons. The 2003 playoffs were his first with the team. His best performance came in Game 6 of a first round series with Magic when he scored 40 points over 45 minutes. He shot 11-for-23 from the field and made seven three-pointers. He also went 11-for-12 from the free-throw line. The Pistons won the game and the series but eventually lost in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Nets. Billups then won a title with the Pistons the following season.
Richard Hamilton, 40 Points (2006 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 5)
Hamilton made three All-Star teams during his nine seasons with the Pistons. He also made seven trips to the playoffs. In Game 5 of a 2006 first round series with the Bucks, Hamilton scored 40 points across 36 minutes. He shot 15-for-23 from the field and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. The Pistons won the game and the series. They eventually lost in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat.
Kelly Tripucka, 40 Points (1984 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 3)
The Pistons selected Tripucka with the 12th pick in the 1981 Draft and he spent the first five seasons of his career with the franchise. The team made the playoffs in three of those seasons. His best scoring outburst came in Game 3 of a 1984 first round series against the Knicks when he scored 40 points. The Pistons lost the game and went on to lose the series in five games.
