Pistons tie franchise-worst mark, lose to Wizards by double figures

DETROIT — On Monday night at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons tied franchise history, extending their losing streak to 14 games with a 126-107 defeat against the Washington Wizards. This marks the third instance of a 14-game losing streak for the Pistons, previously occurring during the 1993-1994 and 2021-2022 seasons.

Following Monday’s loss, the Pistons now hold the NBA’s worst record with a 2-15 standing. To compound their struggles, they not only possess the league’s longest active losing streak but are also one consecutive loss away from establishing the franchise’s longest single-season losing streak.

Poor shooting and defensive lapses proved detrimental for the Pistons as they failed to contain the Wizards, who shot xx% from the field and excelled from the free-throw line. After shooting 46% from the field in the first half, the Pistons’ field goal percentage dropped to 38% in the second half. Additionally, they struggled from beyond the arc, shooting a mere 21% for the game, going 8-for-37.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while rookie Ausar Thompson contributed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jalen Duren secured a double-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots. Despite a slower start, Jaden Ivey finished with 15 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, providing efficiency and aiding offensive fluidity.

Throughout most of the game, the Pistons kept pace with the Wizards, entering halftime with a three-point deficit at 57-54. However, in the second half, Washington’s leading scorer, Flint-native Kyle Kuzma, asserted dominance, finishing with 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Deni Avdija also posed challenges for the Pistons with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Danilo Gallinari contributed 16 points off the bench. Tyus Jones added 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds, and Jordan Poole, a former University of Michigan standout, had a quiet night with only 10 points.

The Pistons will have a brief turnaround before returning to Little Caesars Arena to host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.