The 1990 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1989–90 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP. It was the Blazers' first trip to the NBA Finals since their victory in the 1977 NBA Finals. It was the first NBA Finals to not feature the Lakers or Celtics since 1979. The Dallas Mavericks made their only playoff appearance of the decade. They did not return until 2001.