Detroit Pistons Make NBA History
The Detroit Pistons have made NBA history.
Detroit became the league's first team to lose 27 straight games in a season, falling 118-112 to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.
The Nets beat the Pistons on Saturday in Brooklyn, handing them their 26th consecutive defeat to match the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers for the most losses in a row within one season.
Detroit no longer shares the unwanted mark.
Next up is the overall record of 28 straight losses, set by the Philadelphia 76ers from late in the 2014-15 season through early 2015-16.
At least matching the record seems likely with a game Thursday night against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics on the road.
The game against Brooklyn, like the season, started with some hope.
Detroit led 9-1 and had a 14-point lead in the first quarter before poor shooting, defense coupled with turnovers paved the way for Brooklyn to extend the Motor City's misery.
The Nets outscored the Pistons by 13 in the second quarter to lead 61-54 at halftime.
Cade Cunningham scored 18 of his 41 points in the third quarter and made a 3-pointer early in the fourth to give Detroit a 97-92 lead.
Nets Rally to Victory in Playoff Game
As the crowd at Little Caesars Arena erupted in cheers, the Brooklyn Nets went on a 13-0 run to secure the lead and ultimately win the game.
Despite a strong effort from Cunningham, who did his part to give his team a chance at victory, the lack of support and a crucial turnover hindered their success.
Bojan Bogdanovic shined for the Nets, scoring 23 points before fouling out. However, his mistake in leaving Cam Johnson open for a 3-pointer allowed Brooklyn to extend their lead to six points with just 1:40 remaining. Jaden Ivey, the fifth overall pick from last year, struggled with his shooting, missing 9 of 12 attempts as the Nets chose to give him space.
In a display of frustration, fans in the arena began chanting, "Sell the team! Sell the team!" Although Pistons owner Tom Gores was not present to hear the outcry.
