2003-04 Detroit Pistons vs. 2003-04 New Jersey Nets

Attribute	2003-04 Detroit Pistons	2003-04 New Jersey Nets
Head Coach	Larry Brown	Byron Scott
Regular Season Record	54-28	47-35
Playoff Performance	Won NBA Championship	Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals
Leading Scorer	Richard Hamilton	Jason Kidd
Defensive Style	Known for their tough defense	Also had a strong defensive presence

Team Composition

The 2003-04 Detroit Pistons were known for their balanced roster with no true superstar player. They relied on a team-first mentality and strong defense to win games. The starting lineup featured players like Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace. This group of players worked well together and complemented each other's strengths on the court.

On the other side, the 2003-04 New Jersey Nets had a more star-driven lineup with players like Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, and Richard Jefferson leading the way. Kidd was the floor general for the team, known for his exceptional passing and leadership skills. Martin provided a strong defensive presence in the paint, while Jefferson was a versatile scorer on the wing. The Nets relied heavily on their top players to carry the team to victory.

Playing Style

The Detroit Pistons were known for their gritty defense and team-oriented approach to the game. They were one of the top defensive teams in the league, led by Ben Wallace who won Defensive Player of the Year that season. The Pistons focused on shutting down their opponents and making every possession difficult for them. Offensively, they relied on ball movement and player movement to create scoring opportunities.

Conversely, the New Jersey Nets were a more fast-paced team that liked to push the ball in transition. With Jason Kidd at the helm, the Nets excelled in the open court, using their speed and athleticism to score easy baskets. They were also a solid defensive team, but their offense was more reliant on individual playmaking from their star players. The Nets looked to outscore their opponents with their high-powered offense.

Regular Season Performance

The Detroit Pistons finished the 2003-04 regular season with a record of 54-28, good for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They were a consistent team throughout the season, relying on their defense to grind out wins. The Pistons were not flashy, but they were effective in executing their game plan and playing to their strengths.

On the other hand, the New Jersey Nets finished the regular season with a record of 47-35, earning the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite having a talented roster, the Nets struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. They were still a dangerous team in the playoffs, but their regular season performance was not as strong as the Pistons.

Playoff Success

In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons made a surprising run to the NBA Finals as the underdogs. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, and Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference playoffs before facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. The Pistons shocked the basketball world by defeating the star-studded Lakers in five games to win the NBA Championship.

Conversely, the New Jersey Nets had a disappointing playoff run in 2004. After defeating the New York Knicks in the first round, the Nets were eliminated by the Pistons in the second round of the playoffs. The Nets were unable to overcome the tough defense and team play of the Pistons, falling short of their championship aspirations.

Legacy

The 2003-04 Detroit Pistons are remembered as one of the greatest teams in NBA history due to their teamwork and defensive prowess. They proved that a team without a superstar player could still win a championship through hard work and dedication to their craft. The Pistons' victory over the Lakers in the Finals is considered one of the biggest upsets in NBA history.

On the other hand, the 2003-04 New Jersey Nets are often overlooked in NBA history despite their talented roster. They were unable to capture a championship that season, and their playoff run was cut short by the Pistons. The Nets' legacy is one of unfulfilled potential, as they had the talent to compete for a title but fell short in the end.