Pistons Tie Unwanted Record, Fall to Nets Despite Strong Start
The Detroit Pistons, on the brink of tying the NBA’s single-season record of 26 losses, faced the Brooklyn Nets at home on the 27th. Despite an early lead of 20-7, the Pistons quickly lost their advantage in the first half to the Nets’ resurgence.
Cunningham’s Heroic Effort in Vain
Pistons’ star Cade Cunningham erupted for 37 points in the second half, trying to keep his team in the game. He led a brief comeback in the fourth quarter, putting the Pistons ahead by 5 points. However, the Nets responded with a decisive 13-0 run, sealing the game’s fate. Despite Cunningham’s game-high 41 points, the Pistons fell to the Nets 112-118, extending their losing streak to a record-breaking 27 games.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The Pistons welcomed the return of their defensive anchor, Jalen Duran, which initially helped them establish a 20-point lead. Nets’ Sam Thomas answered back with an 11-point performance in the first quarter, ending it 25-23 in favor of the Pistons. The Nets gradually closed the gap and took a 61-54 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Cunningham, who had only 4 points and 3 fouls in the first half, caught fire. He scored 18 points in various ways, but the Nets’ Johnson also contributed 9 points, keeping the Nets ahead 88-85. In the final quarter, the Pistons led by 5 points at one stage, but the Nets, led by Bridges, launched a 13-point run that defined the game’s outcome. The Nets won with six players scoring in double figures, including Johnson’s team-high points and Bridges’ 21 points in 40 minutes. Sharp off the bench contributed efficiently with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals, with a remarkable +15 plus/minus rating. Dinwiddie, formerly of the Pistons, scored 9 points in 34 minutes, the only Nets starter not to reach double figures.
Despite Cunningham’s impressive second half, where he scored 41 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, the Pistons couldn’t overcome their deficit. Cunningham’s performance replicated his career-high 41 points against the Atlanta Hawks on the 19th, marking a notable achievement since Jerry Stackhouse in 2001. However, veteran Alec Burks, despite scoring a bench-high 15 points, struggled with efficiency, shooting only 4 out of 11, and had a -25 plus/minus rating.
Pistons Face a Historic Challenge
The Pistons’ 27th loss sets a new low in NBA history, surpassing the Philadelphia 76ers’ inter-season record of 28 losses set in 2015. The Pistons’ next game is against the Boston Celtics, who are currently leading the Eastern Conference with 23 wins and 6 losses. The Celtics have an impressive 14-game home winning streak, the best in their 66-year history, and the TD Garden remains the only undefeated home court this season.
