On Thursday, the Detroit Pistons appeared poised for a monumental upset in NBA history, holding a 19-point halftime lead against the Boston Celtics. However, in a familiar turn of events, the Pistons ultimately lost in an overtime thriller, with the Celtics securing a 128-122 victory. This loss marked the 28th consecutive defeat for the Pistons, tying them with the 2014-15/15-16 Process-era Philadelphia 76ers for the longest losing streak in NBA history.
Entering the game as 17.5-point underdogs, the Pistons, fresh off setting the record for the longest single-season losing streak, surprised the TD Garden crowd by establishing a 66-47 halftime lead, fueled by a remarkable 22-point first half from Cade Cunningham.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as the Celtics rallied to tie the game at 82-82. Derrick White’s jump shot in the fourth quarter gave the Celtics their first lead. The Pistons, however, maintained composure, engaging in a back-and-forth fourth quarter that saw the Celtics take the lead in the final seconds of regulation due to a goaltending call.
Despite the Celtics having an opportunity to win in regulation, a crucial defensive play by Cade Cunningham, blocking a Jayson Tatum layup, led to a tie at 108-108. The game proceeded to overtime after Tatum’s potential game-winner rimmed out.
In the overtime period, both teams exchanged leads, with Jrue Holiday’s and-1 play ultimately giving the Celtics a decisive 116-115 lead with 2:13 remaining. The Pistons, although leading twice in overtime, couldn’t stave off further NBA history, succumbing to their 28th straight loss and dropping to a 2-29 record for the season.
Despite the loss, Cade Cunningham showcased his talent with a 31-point, nine-assist, and six-steal performance, building on his 22-point first half. Jaden Ivey contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Bojan Bogdanovic added 17 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum scored 31 points with 10 assists, seven rebounds, and five steals, while Kristaps Porzingis posted 35 points and eight rebounds, scoring crucial baskets in the fourth quarter and overtime to secure the win.
The Celtics avoided their own potential disgrace, given their status as the team with the best record in basketball. The Pistons will have another opportunity to break the record on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors.
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