Despite opening a season-high 21-point lead in the first half, the Detroit Pistons were unable to secure a victory and fell to the Boston Celtics with a score of 128-122 on Thursday. This loss marks their 28th consecutive defeat, a streak that is now tied for the longest in NBA history spread across two seasons.

The Pistons showed promise at TD Garden, especially rookie Cade Cunningham, who contributed 31 points and nine assists. The team fought hard and forced overtime against the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics, trailing by just six points (106-100) in the final two minutes of regulation. However, Boston rallied and ultimately emerged victorious.

In addition to Cunningham’s impressive performance, Isaiah Ivey had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Duren recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds. On the Celtics’ side, Kristaps Porzingis led the game with 35 points, and Jayson Tatum added 31 points and 10 rebounds. Derrick White made crucial defensive stops and contributed 21 points in the second half, aiding Boston’s comeback and securing the win in overtime.

The Pistons, who have not tasted victory in over two months since their last win against the Chicago Bulls on October 28, will conclude the 2023 season at Little Caesars Arena. They will face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, hoping to end their winless drought before the new year and avoid a 29th consecutive loss.

Monty Williams, the first-year coach of the Pistons and a former NBA Coach of the Year, acknowledged the weight of the losing streak and expressed his responsibility in turning the team around. He emphasized the need to create an environment where players can perform without feeling burdened or tense, recognizing the effort they put into each game.

The Pistons’ losing streak has now reached a historic milestone, tying the NBA record for the longest consecutive loss streak over two seasons. The team remаins determined to break this streak and build a more successful future.