Whether it will be remembered as the year the underdog Pistons broke through, or the last year of the Zen-Shaq-Kobe dynasty, the 2004 Finals will go down as one of the most memorable postseason matchups in recent history. Take a look back at some of the most compelling images captured during the Pistons-Lakers series with NBA.com's Finals Scrapbook.
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Like Mic?
Long renowned as one of the best interviews in the NBA, Karl Malone was a popular sound bite for any number of newspapers and networks. |
Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images |
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Bryant Brings It
Though it was ultimately thrown down in vain, Kobe's Game 1 dunk was one of the better slams seen in the postseason. |
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images |
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No 'Pagne, No Gain
Rasheed Wallace gets sprayed with bubbly following the Pistons Game 5 win at home. |
Garett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images |
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Close, But So Far
Karl Malone and Gary Payton came within one series of collecting their first rings, but ultimately couldn't climb past the Pistons. |
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images |
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Later, Lakers
All reports thus far indicate that Game 5 of the 2004 Finals was Shaq's last appearance in purple and gold. |
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images |
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