The 1988 NBA All-Star Game was played at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, with the East defeating the West 138–133. Local hero Michael Jordan steals the show during the week-end, taking home the game's MVP Award, after winning the Slam Dunk Contest earlier in the week.
Jordan becomes the only player in NBA history to win both the scoring title and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He is also the only player in NBA history to combine these awards with the season's Most Valuable Player award.
James Worthy records the first ever Game Seven triple double as he records 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The league awards expansion franchises to Charlotte, Miami, Minneapolis, and Orlando. The Charlotte and Miami franchises would debut in the following season, while Minneapolis and Orlando would begin play in the 1989–90 NBA season.
With the exception of a first round sweep of San Antonio, the Los Angeles Lakers played seven-game series the rest of the way. During the run, they overcame the Utah Jazz in the semifinals, the Dallas Mavericks in the conference finals, and the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.
On January 5, 1988, Hall of Famer Pete Maravich died of a heart attack during a pickup game. He was 40 years old. The Utah Jazz subsequently honored him by sporting a patch containing his jersey No. 7.
The Detroit Pistons played their final season at Pontiac Silverdome.
The Milwaukee Bucks played their final season at MECCA (Milwaukee Arena).
