Early Dominance and Cunningham’s Spark
The Detroit Pistons, coming off a painful 27-game losing streak, faced the league-leading Boston Celtics on their undefeated home turf. Despite initially leading by 21 points, the Pistons were eventually overtaken by the Celtics, losing 122-128 in overtime and extending their losing streak to a record-tying 28 games, equaling the mark set by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014-15 to 2015-16 season.
First Quarter Brilliance
In the first quarter, rookie sensation Cade Cunningham emerged with an impressive 10 points, countering the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, who contributed 12 points. The Pistons dominated with a 52% shooting accuracy in the first quarter, overshadowing the Celtics’ struggles with a mere 3 three-pointers out of 13 attempts.
Explosive Second Quarter
The second quarter saw the Pistons explode offensively, boasting a remarkable 73.7% shooting accuracy, and Cunningham added another 12 points, securing a 36-20 lead at halftime.
Struggles in the Third Quarter
However, a 19-point lead proved insufficient for the Pistons, as they encountered an offensive slump in the third quarter, managing only 16 points. The Celtics capitalized on this, staging a comeback and tying the game at 82-82.
Fourth Quarter Drama and Overtime
The fourth quarter was closely contested, with both teams battling fiercely. Kristaps Porzingis of the Celtics emerged as a key player, leading his team to overturn the score and secure a 6-point advantage with less than 2 minutes remaining. Jaden Ivey of the Pistons responded with a crucial 3-pointer, tying the game at 108-108. The game ultimately went into overtime.
Overtime Struggles and Final Outcome
In the overtime period, the Celtics extended their lead to 4 points through several successful free throws and Derrick White’s three-pointer. Despite the Pistons’ efforts to narrow the gap, they fell short, ultimately unable to break the Celtics’ undefeated home record.
Reflections and Forward Outlook
Cunningham, who delivered an impressive performance with 31 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, expressed disappointment at the team’s inability to halt the losing streak. He emphasized that the team should not approach games with the sole aim of winning one, acknowledging the pressure from external scrutiny. Coach Williams shared the sentiment, acknowledging the players’ effort and expressing regret for not capitalizing on the opportunity to secure a victory.
Historical Equalling and Unprecedented Challenge
Following their 28th consecutive loss, the Pistons have equaled the longest cross-season losing streak in NBA history. Cunningham asserted that the team demonstrated its capability against the league leaders but acknowledged the missed opportunities, especially during a lackluster third quarter. The Pistons now face the challenge of avoiding an unprecedented 29th consecutive loss in their next game.
