The Pistons squander a 21-point lead against the Celtics, resulting in their 28th consecutive loss and tying the NBA’s all-time record for futility.
The Detroit Pistons are facing a tough time in basketball. They just lost their 28th game in a row, this time to the Boston Celtics, with a score of 128-122. Surprisingly, the Pistons were actually winning by 21 points at one point. Now, they’re really close to breaking the record for the most consecutive losses in the NBA. The only other team with such a bad streak was the Philadelphia 76ers, but they spread their 28 losses over two seasons.
In the match against the top team in the Eastern Conference, Detroit had a strong start led by Cade Cunningham. He played a key role, helping the Pistons finish the first quarter with a 30-27 lead. Cunningham continued his impressive performance in the second quarter, scoring 22 points and contributing three assists and three steals by halftime. With a solid 66-47 lead at the break, the Pistons seemed in control. However, despite Cunningham adding nine more points in the second half, they couldn’t secure the win against the Celtics, who were missing Jaylen Brown.
Derrick White, enjoying a standout season, wasn’t very active in the first half but stepped up later in the game. He scored 21 points in the second half and made crucial defensive plays for the Celtics, contributing to the team’s comeback. Kristaps Porzingis led the scoring with 35 points, and Jayson Tatum added 31 points along with 10 rebounds. This trio closed the gap and secured the victory in overtime as the opposing team ran out of energy.
Cunningham, Bogdanovic, and Duren had significant playing time for the Pistons, each clocking in more than 40 minutes. Cunningham led the team with 31 points, followed by Ivey with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Both Bogdanovic and Duren achieved double-doubles, contributing points and rebounds, especially in the absence of Isaiah Stewart.
Coach Monty Williams commended the team’s effort after the game.
“I mentioned to them that what they’re doing takes a lot of heart and character,” Williams shared with reporters. “In my time in the league, I’ve seen teams give up in situations less challenging than what we’re facing. Their effort is truly commendable.”
Williams, previously the coach of the Phoenix Suns, who secured a significant coaching contract before this season, is optimistic about the Pistons’ potential turnaround despite the current difficulties.
“I empathize with them,” Williams added. “We believe we’re on the verge of not just winning one game but winning many games if we continue to play this way.”
The Pistons will wrap up 2023 with a game at Little Caesars Arena against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. They are eager to break their two-month winless streak before the new year, with their last victory dating back to Oct. 28 against the Chicago Bulls. If they are unable to secure a win against the Raptors, they will have the NBA’s least favorable record.
The Pistons aim to break their losing streak or, at the very least, get a win when they face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday in Detroit.
The ongoing streak of losses is tough for a team that’s been working on getting better by adding young talent from high draft picks, such as Cade Cunningham in 2021 and Ausar Thompson this year. They also brought in Coach Williams with a substantial coaching contract to help the team improve.
The Pistons faced a tough night on Tuesday, losing to Brooklyn and unfortunately setting a new record with 27 consecutive losses in one season. It’s a real challenge for them. The previous record was held by the Sixers, but that was spread over two seasons, 2014-15 and 2015-16.
In another game on Thursday, December 28, 2023, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was actively coaching his players during the first half against the Detroit Pistons in Boston.