DETROIT, MI – In a disheartening yet historic turn of events, the Detroit Pistons have etched their name in the annals of the NBA for a reason they’d rather not. The team has set a dubious record, losing their 27th straight game in a single season, a feat previously unseen in the league’s history. This record-setting loss came at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, who edged out the Pistons with a 118-112 victory on Tuesday night.
The Pistons, who have been struggling to find their footing this season, faced a formidable opponent in the Nets. Key player Cameron Johnson spearheaded the Nets’ charge, scoring an impressive 24 points, contributing significantly to the Pistons’ downfall. This loss further cements the Pistons’ unfortunate position at the bottom of the league standings, marking a streak of defeats that has been unrivaled in NBA history.
What makes this record particularly notable is the sheer magnitude of consecutive losses within a single season, setting a new low for any team in the league. The Philadelphia 76ers held the previous record for the most consecutive losses in a single season, but the Pistons have now surpassed this, adding a melancholic milestone to their franchise history.
Longest Losing streak in a single season
| Games | Team | Season(s) | Season record(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27* | Detroit Pistons | 2023–24 | 2–28 |
| 26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 2010–11 | 19–63 |
| 26 | Philadelphia 76ers | 2013–14 | 19–63 |
| 23 | Vancouver Grizzlies | 1995–96 | 15–67 |
| 23 | Denver Nuggets | 1997–98 | 11–71 |
| 23 | Charlotte Bobcats | 2011–12 | 7–59 |
Longest Losing streak, including multi-season
| Games | Team | Season(s) | Season record(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Philadelphia 76ers | 2014–15 2015–16 | 18–64 10–72 |
| 27* | Detroit Pistons | 2023–24 | 2–28 |
| 26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 2010–11 | 19–63 |
| 26 | Philadelphia 76ers | 2013–14 | 19–63 |
| 24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1981–82 1982–83 | 15–67 23–59 |
| 23 | Vancouver Grizzlies | 1995–96 | 15–67 |
| 23 | Denver Nuggets | 1997–98 | 11–71 |
| 23 | Charlotte Bobcats | 2011–12 | 7–59 |
As the Pistons grapple with this record, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges and unpredictability inherent in professional sports. While breaking records is often a source of pride and accomplishment, in this case, it serves as a somber reflection of a season marred by consistent defeats and missed opportunities.
The Pistons’ journey remains uncertain as they seek to recalibrate and find a path to victory. For now, they hold a record that speaks to the hardships of the sport, a reminder that success in the NBA is never guaranteed, and every game is a new battle.
