In a historic turn of events on Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons found themselves in a situation that few fans anticipated. Unfortunately, the team could not escape NBA infamy, succumbing to their 27th consecutive loss with a final score of 118-112 against the Brooklyn Nets.
This losing streak marks the most consecutive losses in a single season in NBA history. While the overall record for consecutive losses still belongs to the 76ers, who endured 28 straight losses spanning the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, the Pistons have now secured the second-longest losing streak in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB history.
Detroit Pistons Since their home opener victory against Chicago on October 28, the Pistons have not clinched a win, bringing their season record to a challenging 2-28.
Head coach Monty Williams, prior to the game, acknowledged the looming historical losing mark, expressing his reluctance to be associated with it. The weight of this streak remains a significant burden on the franchise, as Williams shared his thoughts on the impact it has on both coaches and players.
Despite a valiant effort by Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, who scored an impressive 41 points with 9 rebounds and 5 assists, the Pistons couldn’t break the streak. Cunningham’s remarkable second-half performance, where he scored 37 points, adds to his unfortunate record of losing all 10 career games when scoring 30 or more points, marking the longest such streak to start an NBA career.
Post-game, Cunningham passionately addressed the team in the locker room, urging teammates to stay together and face the challenges head-on. He emphasized the need to address and rectify the issues plaguing the team.
Despite a promising start in the opening quarter with a double-digit lead, the Pistons faltered in the second quarter with six turnovers, trailing 61-54 at halftime. The team showed resilience in the third quarter, narrowing the gap, but the Nets ultimately closed the game on a 26-15 run, securing the Pistons’ place in the history books for the 2023-24 season.
As the final seconds ticked away, some fans in the arena expressed their frustration by chanting “Sell the team!” However, this sentiment did not sit well with some players, including Jaden Ivey, who questioned the loyalty of those calling for change. Ivey emphasized the team’s commitment to unity, growth, and playing for each other, regardless of external opinions.