The new labor agreement was officially signed in April 1988.
At this time, the NBA regular season was drawing to a close, the situation in the Eastern and Western Conferences was gradually becoming clear, and the brutal playoffs were about to begin.
The 1987-1988 season was a turbulent one, and there had been some changes in the landscape of both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
The Celtics' rule over the East was already faltering.
But relying on the formidable frontcourt trio plus An Ji and Dennis Johnson, the Celtics still managed to achieve a record of 57 wins and 25 losses, ranking first in the Eastern Conference.
Close on their heels were the Detroit Pistons with 56 wins and 26 losses, one more win than the previous season.
Having fallen in the finals last season, the Pistons were full of fighting spirit this year, determined to make another run for the championship.
