Betsy Peabody Rowe photographed the Bulls–Pistons rivalry from the stands. A Michigan-based photographer working out of Birmingham, she had access to games at the Pontiac Silverdome and caught Jordan in motion against the team that gave him the most trouble in the early years of his career.

In 1987, the Pistons were the obstacle. Detroit's physical brand of basketball — the Jordan Rules defensive scheme designed specifically to foul and intimidate Jordan — had not yet been overcome. The Bulls were still fighting for respect. Jordan was still proving that one player could change everything. In this photograph you can see it: the tongue out, the drive, the determination. And Vinnie Johnson — "The Microwave," one of the most dangerous sixth men in NBA history — defending him.

Four years after this photograph was taken, Jordan would stand in a champagne-soaked locker room on June 12, 1991, having finally won. The Pistons were eliminated that year in the Eastern Conference Finals — swept, four games to none. The "Jordan Rules" had been broken. But in 1987, when Betsy Rowe pressed the shutter at the Silverdome, none of that had happened yet. This photograph is from the era of struggle — which makes the championship photographs in this collection all the more meaningful.