Zachary Yuan
The Detroit Pistons are tied with the 2015 Philidelphia 76ers for the longest losing streak in NBA history.
The Detroit Pistons' historic 28-game losing streak finally came to an end on December 30 with a 129-127 victory over the Toronto Raptors. The streak lasted from Oct. 28 to Dec. 30, surpassing the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers for the most consecutive losses in one season (both teams had a 26-game losing streak). The streak is now tied with the 2015 Philidelphia 76ers for the longest losing streak in NBA history.
The Piston’s victory against the Raptors was a close game, with the Pistons winning by 2 points at home. Pistons guard Cade Cunningham put up 30 points and 12 assists to propel the team to victory.
"I feel amazing," Cunningham said during the post-game press conference. "We just kept battling. It's been a long stretch, all these losses, but I'm just happy to be part of a group of guys who don't quit."
The Raptors were missing key players, having just traded O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks a few hours earlier. In turn, they received RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but they were not available to play during the Pistons game.
"I've been in a ton of locker rooms my whole life, but that's a first for me," Pistons head coach Monty Williams said. "Guys were screaming. I was almost in tears. I'm just so happy for our guys and for everyone in the locker room."
Ironically, the Pistons started the season well. They lost by just one point to the Miami Heat on opening night, then beat the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, suggesting that perhaps this would be the season that this young roster showed its promise. Instead, it spiraled out of control, and the Pistons have a 4-37 record.
Moreover, the future is not promising for this young Pistons team, as they are on track to one of the worst seasons in NBA history. Currently, the 1972-73 Philidelphia 76ers hold the record for the worst season in NBA history, with 9 wins and 73 losses. But why are the Pistons so bad?
The Pistons are currently ranked 30th out of the 30 teams in the league offensively, scoring only 107.3 points out of 100 possessions. They are 29th in turnover percentage and turnovers per game, 16th in field goal percentage (.472), 27th in 3-point percentage (.346), and 30th in 3-pointers made per game (10). With most of these stats dead last in the league, it is easy to understand why the team has such a bad offense.
Meanwhile, on defense, the Pistons have the 28th defense in the league, allowing 121 points per 100 possessions. It ranks 24th in field goal percentage allowed, 21st in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, 29th in points allowed off turnovers per game (20.3), and 24th in points in the paint allowed per game (53.6). The defense isn’t helping the team.
The Pistons have a young roster, with an average age of 24.9. This is one of the youngest teams in the league, and having a young team has its pros and cons. The main reason for this terrible season is the age of the players. The team needs a seasoned veteran to lead the team, as all the other players are very inexperienced. However, the future is bright with this team. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson are all promising prospects and future all-stars. Maybe, just maybe, in a few years, the Pistons will be back in playoff contention. But for now, the 2023-24 Pistons team will forever be remembered as having the longest losing streak, and possibly the worst record in NBA history.
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