Teal-Era Ben Wallace vs. Lakers (12 Pts, 15 Reb, 4 Blocks, 2 Dunks)

March 15, 2001 - After arriving in Detroit as a part of a sign-and-trade centered around Grant Hill, Ben Wallace spent his first season with the Pistons rocking teal and burgundy. Unheralded and unknown, Wallace averaged 13.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in virtual anonymity for a 32-50 Pistons team in 2001. Against the Lakers, Wallace provided a portent of things to come three years down the line. Though the Pistons ultimately came up short—falling 125-119 in overtime—Wallace thrilled with an emphatic 12-point, 15-rebound, 4-block performance.

The following season saw the Pistons return to their traditional red, white, and blue color scheme and with the re-brand came a new identity. Wallace served as an anchor for a 50-win, Central Division winner, earning the first of four Defensive Player of the Year awards.

By 2004, Wallace found himself facing the Lakers at the Palace once more, capping off the Pistons' third NBA championship with an 18-point, 22-rebound performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, tying a bow on a Big Ben's ascent against L.A. And it all began in 2001.

Box Score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/...