Pistons Set New NBA Record with Their Longest Losing Streak
The Pistons endured a 118-112 loss, marking a historic low as they set the NBA's all-time in-season record with 27 consecutive losses. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In a history-making night at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons faced an undesirable fate, succumbing to their 27th consecutive loss with a 118-112 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, according to ESPN.

This unfortunate streak marks the most consecutive losses in a single NBA season, surpassing the previous record held by the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Philadelphia 76ers, who lost 28 straight.

The Pistons, now standing at 2-28 for the season, have not secured a victory since their home opener on October 28 against the Chicago Bulls.

The weight of this prolonged losing streak has not gone unnoticed by Pistons coach Monty Williams, who expressed his desire to distance himself from the all-time losing mark.

"Again, when you look at records, you think of coaches, but I'm sure the players don't want that attached to the name on the jersey," Williams stated.

"Was it heavy? It's been heavy for a while. That's just the nature of this kind of losing streak, and it's not gonna change because we're grading the level of it; we've got to do what we've got to do to change it."

Cunningham Shines Despite Defeat

Despite the team's struggle, Pistons' guard Cade Cunningham showcased his talent with an impressive 41 points during Tuesday's game, CNN reports.

However, it wasn't enough to secure a victory as the Nets, led by Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges, emerged victorious with 24 and 21 points, respectively.

After the game, Cunningham emphasized the importance of unity within the team.

"We've got to stay together. Right now is the easiest time to stand off and be on your own, but we need to continue to lean on each other, push each other, and hold each other accountable more than ever," Cunningham said.

The Pistons briefly held the lead in the early fourth quarter, but a late-game surge by the Nets, including a crucial 3-pointer from Dorian Finney-Smith, sealed their fate.

In recent seasons, the Pistons have endeavored to rebuild through youth, utilizing high draft picks such as Cunningham (No. 1 overall pick in 2021) and Ausar Thompson (No. 5 pick in 2022).

Additionally, the team secured the services of coach Monty Williams with a substantial contract in hopes of turning their fortunes around.

Despite these efforts, the Pistons find themselves during a disappointing losing streak, bringing into question the efficacy of their rebuilding strategy and the ability to translate high draft picks into success on the court.

Looking Ahead: Possible Tie to All-Time Mark

The Pistons find themselves at the center of attention for their extended losing streak, falling short of setting the single-season record.

To match the all-time mark set by the 76ers, the Pistons would need another loss, this time against the Boston Celtics on Thursday, The Athletic noted.

The infamous losing streak that haunts the Pistons contrasts with the 76ers' record, which spanned two seasons.

The Sixers endured a 10-game skid to conclude the 2014-15 campaign and then faced an 0-18 start in the following season before securing their first win in December.

The 2015-16 Sixers, who managed to win only 10 games, hold the second-fewest victories in an 82-game season.

The record for the fewest wins in an 82-game season is held by the 9-73 76ers from 1972-73, a team that also set the then-NBA record with a 20-game losing streak.

WATCH: The Pistons break the NBA record for longest single-season losing streak with 27th-straight loss - From NBA on ESPN