The Detroit Pistons continued their historic losing skid on Wednesday night, falling to the Utah Jazz 119-111 to extend their current losing streak to 25 consecutive games. This ties the franchise record and leaves them just one loss away from tying the NBA record for longest single-season losing streak.
Losing Streak Now at 25 Straight Defeats
With the loss in Salt Lake City, the Pistons have now lost 25 games in a row spanning nearly two months. Their last victory came way back on November 23 against the Denver Nuggets.
Since then, it’s been nothing but losses. During this streak, the Pistons have fallen by an average of 14.5 points per game. They’ve lost in just about every way imaginable – blowing big leads, falling just short in close games, and getting thoroughly outplayed for four quarters.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 12/21/22 | at Utah | L 119-111 |
| 12/19/22 | at Denver | L 150-123 |
| 12/17/22 | at Phoenix | L 116-100 |
| 12/15/22 | at Sacramento | L 137-129 |
| 12/13/22 | at Golden State | L 142-113 |
The current losing streak matches the longest in franchise history, set by the 1993-94 squad that started the season with 25 straight defeats.
With Wednesday’s loss, the Pistons are now one loss away from tying the single-season NBA record of 26 consecutive defeats, set by the Cleveland Cavaliers over the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
Late Rally Falls Just Short Against Jazz
Against Utah, it looked like the streak might finally come to an end. The Pistons erased a 13-point fourth quarter deficit and even took the lead briefly with just over two minutes remaining.
But they ultimately came up short yet again, as the Jazz pulled back ahead in the final minute. A potential game-tying three pointer by Jaden Ivey rimmed out with 10 seconds left, sealing Detroit’s fate.
It was a spirited effort and the Pistons’ best performance of the losing skid. Five players scored in double figures, led byAlec Burks’ 27 points off the bench.
But sloppy play and defensive lapses earlier in the game put them in too big of a hole. They allowed 72 first half points and let Lauri Markkanen score over 20 for the third straight matchup.
“Sell The Team!” Chants Rain Down at Little Caesars Arena
As the losses continue to pile up, frustration amongst the fan base is reaching new heights. Loud “Sell the team!” chants echoed through Little Caesars Arena midway through the fourth quarter on Wednesday night.
The chants were directed towards owner Tom Gores, who took over the franchise in 2011. Despite his willingness to spend into the luxury tax, the team has managed just two playoff appearances and zero playoff wins during his tenure.
Gores addressed the fan unrest, saying:
“Do I think the fans are frustrated? Absolutely, and I’m just as frustrated. But I’m also determined to fix the situation.”
With attendance dwindling, he may need to consider major organizational changes to renew fan confidence and interest. But he remains adamant that selling is not in the plans.
Historic Futility Within Reach
If the Pistons fall in their next game, they will tie the Cavaliers for the longest losing streak in NBA history at 26 games.
And given the team’s continued struggles and injury issues, snapping the skid anytime soon seems unlikely. Their next matchup is a road game against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics, where they will be considerable underdogs.
Beyond that looms a New Year’s Eve clash with the defending champion Warriors. It’s not inconceivable that the Pistons could enter 2023 still searching for their first victory since Thanksgiving.
Some projections show Detroit finishing with fewer than 20 wins on the season. But as the losses pile up, players insist the locker room hasn’t fractured.
“We’re a team that comes in every day and works,” says guard Cade Cunningham. “We’re not pointing fingers at each other.”
But Cunningham and his young teammates may soon etch their names into the record books for all the wrong reasons.
What Needs to Change?
Clearly, something has to give in Detroit. Whether it’s the front office, coaching staff, roster, or some combination, significant changes are likely coming at season’s end.
In the meantime, the team needs major defensive improvements and to clean up sloppy turnovers if they want to be even moderately competitive.
Developing young players like Cunningham, Ivey, Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey also remains a priority over marginal short-term gains.
But the team owes it to their loyal fans to, at the very least, avoid the wrong kind of history. And they are running out of chances to save face and stem this tide of embarrassment and futility.
Unfortunately, with the streak now at 25 games and counting, things may get worse before they get better in Motor City.
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