Kristian Ferrell
The 2004 NBA Finals saw the Detroit Pistons face off against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons dominated the series, winning four out of five games, and claimed their fifth championship victory overall as a franchise. This win also marked the Pistons' first championship since their back-to-back wins in 1989 and 1990. In the 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship, the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to win their second national championship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Championship | 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament |
| Number of schools playing | 65 |
| Date | Began on March 16, 2004 |
| Location | Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas |
| Number of games played | 64 |
| Champion | Connecticut Huskies/UConn |
| Runner-up | Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets |
| Final score | 82-73 |
| Most Outstanding Player | Emeka Okafor |
| Individual scoring leader | Gerry McNamara, Syracuse |
| Individual rebounding leader | Emeka Okafor, UConn |
| Number of championships | UConn's second national championship |
| Number of wins | Pistons' fifth championship victory |
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What You'll Learn
UConn wins its second national championship
The 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was a 65-team single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. The tournament began on March 16, 2004, and ended with the championship game on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
UConn won its second national championship in 2004, defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 82-73. The Huskies were led by Final Four Most Outstanding Player Emeka Okafor, who scored 24 points and had 11.3 rebounds per game. This was despite being limited to just 22 minutes of play in the final due to early foul trouble.
UConn's win was the culmination of a strong season, with the team winning every single game by double-digit margins against opponents from outside the Big East conference. Their victory in the final was particularly impressive given that they were trailing by 8 points with less than 3 minutes remaining. However, Okafor's clutch performance, including several big plays down the stretch, sealed the win for UConn.
This was UConn's second national championship, with their first coming in 1999. The 2004 victory established UConn as a dominant force in college basketball, with the team going on to win multiple other national championships in subsequent years. The program's success extends beyond men's basketball, with the women's basketball team also achieving notable success, including winning 12 national championships as of 2025.
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' first championship game
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets men's basketball team made their first-ever national championship game appearance in 2004. The team, led by coach Paul Hewitt, had a successful run in the 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, which involved 65 schools playing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion.
In the national semifinal doubleheader, Georgia Tech faced the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The game was a close contest, with Georgia Tech leading for most of the game, including a seven-point edge at halftime. However, Oklahoma State tied the game with a three-pointer with just 26.3 seconds left on the clock. In the final moments, Will Bynum's layup kept Georgia Tech's championship hopes alive as they secured a narrow victory.
Advancing to the national championship game, Georgia Tech faced the Connecticut Huskies, who were led by Emeka Okafor. Okafor, Connecticut's All-American center, had a stellar performance despite limited playing time due to early foul trouble. He made several crucial plays down the stretch, finishing with 18 points and being named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
The Huskies ultimately defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets with a final score of 82-73, claiming their second national championship. Despite falling short in their first championship game appearance, Georgia Tech's achievement marked a significant milestone in the program's history.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have a rich athletic history across various sports, including football and softball. The football team, in particular, has enjoyed notable success, claiming national championships in 1917, 1928, 1952, and 1990, and accumulating numerous conference titles and bowl game appearances. The team's tradition and spirit are embodied by their mascot, Buzz, who enters the football games with energetic performances, and the marching band, which performs at halftime and after big plays during the football season.
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Detroit Pistons' fifth championship
The Detroit Pistons are a professional basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The Pistons were founded in 1937 as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a semi-professional company basketball team based in Indiana. The team turned professional in 1941, joining the National Basketball League (NBL), where they won two championships in 1944 and 1945.
In 1948, the Pistons joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The following year, in 1949, the NBL and BAA merged to become the NBA, and the Pistons became a part of the newly formed league. The franchise moved to Detroit in 1957, becoming the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons have enjoyed a successful history in the NBA, appearing in the NBA Finals seven times, five of which were as the Detroit Pistons in 1988, 1989, 1990, 2004, and 2005. The team won the NBA championship three times: in 1989, 1990, and 2004. The 2004 NBA Finals marked the Pistons' fifth championship victory overall as a franchise, including their two previous NBL titles.
The 2004 NBA Finals featured a highly anticipated matchup between the Western Conference playoff champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Eastern Conference playoff champion Detroit Pistons. The Lakers, led by superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, were considered the heavy favorites. However, the Pistons defied the odds and dominated the series, winning in five games. This series is often referred to as a "five-game sweep" due to the Pistons' commanding victories in four of the games, while the Lakers only narrowly won Game 2 in overtime.
The Pistons' success in the 2004 NBA Finals can be attributed to their strong defensive capabilities and a well-rounded team dynamic. They became the first team in NBA history to win a championship without a player who scored 20 points per game, showcasing their depth and balance. This victory marked a significant milestone for the franchise, as they claimed their fifth championship title overall and reaffirmed their status as a dominant force in the NBA.
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UConn's Most Outstanding Player, Emeka Okafor
In 2004, UConn won its second national championship, led by Final Four Most Outstanding Player Emeka Okafor. The Huskies defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who appeared in the national championship game for the first time. Okafor, who played center, was noted for his defensive ability and shot-blocking skills. Despite struggling with back problems for most of the 2003-04 season, he led the nation in blocks and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He also received the Big East Player of the Year award.
Okafor was born on September 28, 1982, in Houston, Texas, and attended Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas, before going on to play for the University of Connecticut. Standing at 6'10" (208 cm) and weighing 252 lbs (114 kg) during his playing career, he was a formidable presence on the court. In the 2004 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, Okafor's leadership was crucial to UConn's success. He led the team in rebounds, averaging 11.3 rebounds per game, and was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end.
During the championship game against Georgia Tech, Okafor showcased his talent, scoring 24 points to lead Connecticut. His performance solidified his selection as the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Following his outstanding collegiate career, Okafor was drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Bobcats and was named Rookie of the Year in his first season in the NBA.
Okafor's impact extended beyond his rookie season, as he continued to excel for the Bobcats. He led the team in rebounds per game, blocks per game, and field goal percentage. On December 29, 2006, Okafor had a standout performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, recording 22 points, 25 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a thrilling triple-overtime victory. He also demonstrated his blocking prowess, recording eight blocks against both the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. On January 12, 2007, he set an NBA season-high with ten blocks in a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Okafor's defensive prowess and outstanding performances solidified his legacy as one of UConn's most celebrated players.
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Pistons' owner, William Davidson, wins two championships in one year
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons won the NBA Finals, marking the franchise's fifth championship victory overall. The Pistons were considered underdogs against the Los Angeles Lakers, who included four future Hall of Famers. The Pistons, however, dominated the series, winning four out of five games. This victory also marked the Pistons' first championship since their back-to-back wins in 1989 and 1990.
The Pistons' 2004 championship win was especially significant for the team's owner, William "Bill" Davidson, who became the first owner in American sports history to win two championships in one calendar year. Eight days before the Pistons' victory, Davidson's Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Calgary Flames to win the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals. Davidson's success with the Pistons and the Lightning added to his impressive portfolio, which also included ownership of the WNBA's Detroit Shock, who won the league championship in 2003.
Davidson, a Detroit native, had a background in business and law before becoming the Pistons' owner in 1974. He was known for his low-key, private personality and preferred to stay out of the limelight, even as his teams achieved success. Davidson's philosophy was to "hire the right people and let them do their jobs," and he is credited with building a strong foundation for the Pistons' success.
Davidson's impact extended beyond the Pistons, as he was also a noted philanthropist, contributing generously to various causes. He had a special connection with his alma mater, the University of Michigan, donating over $55 million to the school. Davidson's legacy is remembered not only for his championships but also for his positive influence on the lives of those connected to the Pistons organization.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was won by the Connecticut Huskies, also known as UConn, who defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 82-73.
The Most Outstanding Player of the 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was Emeka Okafor of the Connecticut Huskies.
The 2004 NBA Finals were won by the Detroit Pistons, who defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship round.
The top four seeds of the 2004 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament were Kentucky, Duke, Stanford, and Saint Joseph's.
