ALABAMA - After starting the season winning two of their first three games, the Detroit Pistons have dropped an NBA record 27 consecutive games, making it the longest losing streak in a single season in history.
Detroit's 118-112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 26 was just another episode of rock-bottom moments for one of the worst organizations in the NBA in the last 15 years. Somehow, they could reach another low on their next game against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 28. If they fail to do so, Detroit would tie the Philadelphia 76ers for the longest ever losing streak, which took place across two seasons in 2014-15 and 2015-16. According to ESPN Analytics, the Pistons only have a 3.3% chance to win at TD Garden.
In fact, the Pistons are not projected to be favorites in any of their next seven games, according to the same metrics. A matchup against an also struggling San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 10 is the Pistons most "favorable" game as they try to win their first NBA game since Oct. 28.
Across the four major professional sporting leagues in the United States (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL), the Piston's 27-game losing streak ranks as the second longest, with only the 76ers 28-game streak across two seasons ranking higher.
We take a look at some of the longest negative streaks in the history of American sports as the Pistons try to win a game before setting the all-time record.
Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
The Sixers hold the longest losing streak across all major American sports, but it seems like it won't be for much longer. Philly closed out its 2014-15 NBA campaign losing each of its last 10 games and continued the negative run adding 18 straight losses to start their 2015-16 campaign.
Detroit Pistons (NBA)
As mentioned, the Pistons now hold the NBA record for consecutive losses in a single season. The previous holder of the title were the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers, one season after LeBron James' shocking move to Miami. The Pistons, who currently sit with a 2-28 record, could still tie the 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats' for the fewest wins in an NBA season (7-59).
Since 2000, Detroit sports:
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 27, 2023
◽️ Own MLB's worst season (2003 Tigers)
◽️ Co-own the NFL's worst season (2008 Lions)
◽️ Co-own the NHL's worst season (2020 Red Wings)
And the Pistons are on pace for six wins, the fewest in 𝙉𝘽𝘼 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮.
H/T @rodger pic.twitter.com/bnKsw5m7IN
Tampa Bay Bucaneers (NFL)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the record for most consecutive losses by a team since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. The Bucs lost a combined 26 games in a row between 1976-77. They were able to cut the streak in 1977, winning their final two games of the season. To be fair to them, those were Tampa Bay's two first seasons in the NFL, and the 1976 campaign remains the franchise's only winless season.
Chicago Cardinals (NFL)
The former Chicago Cardinals lost 26 straight regular season between 1942 and 1945. The streak started at the end of their 1942 season, losing their last three games. It continued for almost three years, until they were able to beat city rivals Chicago Bears just 11 days before their 3-year anniversary without a win, on October 14, 1945.
Louisville Colonels (MLB)
In the MLB's long and storied history, the 1889 Louisville Colonels hold the unfortunate record for most consecutive losses. In a matter of just a month, the Colonels dropped 26 games in a row. During the tumultuous month, team owner Mordecai Davidson even threatened players with fines in an attempt to correct the team's poor performances.
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