Pistons lose 27th straight game, new NBA record

Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles in the first half Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena.

RICK OSENTOSKI/USA TODAY SPORTS

Omari Sankofa II - 27 Dec 2023

Detroit Free Press - USA TODAY NETWORK

Eight days after scoring a career-high 43 points against the Atlanta Hawks, Cade Cunningham nearly one-upped himself.

The 2021 first overall pick did everything he could to prevent the Detroit Pistons from making history, finishing the night with 41 points on 13-for-21 overall shooting, nine rebounds and five assists. He scored 18 points in the third quarter, and 19 in the fourth. It wasn’t enough.

The Pistons lost, 118-112, and have now set the NBA’s all-time in-season record with 27 consecutive losses. It was a festive night at Little Caesars Arena. Nearly every seat was filled, and the Pistons wore their alternate Bad Boys-inspired jerseys on a night that honored the 35th anniversary of the team’s 1989 title.

But the cheers turned to boos and “sell the team” chants for the second time in a week when it became clear that the Pistons would lose. Two big 3-pointers by Cameron Johnson (team-high 24 points) and Dorian Finney Smith in the final two minutes allowed the Nets to maintain control as Cunningham got to the rim at will.

After missing three weeks with ankle soreness, Jalen Duren returned and finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

Cunningham carries Pistons in second half

Because of foul trouble, Cunningham didn’t have a notable first half. He entered halftime with just 12 minutes of playing time due to picking up three fouls, and just four points.

Cunningham came out swinging in the second half, sparking the Pistons (2-28) after an 11-point deficit threatened to put them away with more than eight minutes left in the third. He scored nine of Detroit’s first 11 points in what was a 17-6 run that gave the team its first lead since the first quarter, 77-76, with 4:24 remaining in the period. Cunningham’s 18 points in the third came on 6-for-7 shooting and 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.

His momentum carried over to the fourth. Detroit took the lead again, 91-90, after a block by Cunningham led to a transition layup for Bojan Bogdanovic. Then Cunningham knocked down a 3 with 8:09 remaining in the game that extended the lead to 97-92.

Detroit’s collapse began right after, as the Nets rattled off 13 straight points before Cunningham knocked down a short midrange jumper to break the spell. That basket cut the Pistons’ deficit to 105-99 with 4:34 to go. A slick hesitation and crossover with just under

Duren returns, powers strong start

With Duren back, the difference in Detroit’s frontcourt was immediately apparent. His physicality and length at the rim was tough for the Nets to match early on, and was a factor in them missing their first five shots of the night.

Detroit gained its biggest lead, 22-8, midway through the period off the strength of their defense. That hot start cooled after Duren checked out, but the Pistons still won the quarter, 31-25 — their first time winning a first quarter in six games, with their last being against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 11.

The second-year center had missed eight consecutive games, with his last being the Pistons’ home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 6. During his pregame media availability, Monty Williams said that Duren’s return would be “very big” for the team. Duren immediately showcased his value, grabbing six rebounds and scoring six points in the opening period.

“Not just the size of JD, but his ability to rebound and talk on the floor and all of that stuff,” Williams said. “It allows for the rotation to settle a bit. We’ve missed his athleticism and his size. His ability to screen for such a young player, he has a presence about him at the same time. At the same time, it’s not going to solve taking care of the ball, but it will help with the rebounding. He’s gotta take care of the ball when he does have it, but there’s still things we need to do to complement his skillset.”

Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa @freepress.com. 

Follow him @omarisankofa.