On Thursday, the Detroit Pistons appeared on the brink of orchestrating one of the most significant upsets in NBA history. However, true to their unfortunate trend, they ultimately succumbed to defeat. Overcoming a 19-point halftime disadvantage, the Boston Celtics staged a comeback to level the game in the third quarter, ultimately clinching a 128-122 victory in an overtime thriller. This defeat marked the Pistons’ 28th consecutive loss, equaling the record set by the 2014-15 & 2015-16, Process-era Philadelphia 76ers for the longest losing streak in NBA history.
Entering Boston as 17.5-point underdogs and coming off the recent establishment of the longest single-season losing streak in league history, the Pistons surprised the TD Garden audience. Fueled by a remarkable 22-point first-half performance from Cade Cunningham, they astounded spectators by building a 66-47 halftime lead.
Celtics Rally In 3rd Before Wild 4th Quarter:
The turning point occurred in the third quarter when the Celtics mounted a comeback, knotting the score at 82-82. Seizing their first lead of the game, Derrick White’s jump shot marked the beginning of the fourth quarter. Despite this shift in momentum, the Pistons maintained composure, engaging in a seesaw battle throughout the final quarter. The game reached a climax with the Celtics securing a lead in the waning moments of regulation, thanks to a contentious goaltending call.
With 8.1 seconds left on the clock and the Celtics holding a precarious 108-106 lead following the goaltending decision, Boston had an opportunity to secure victory in regulation. Cade Cunningham contested a Jayson Tatum layup near the glass, which was initially called goaltending on the floor.
Was It Goaltending?
Referees dedicated considerable time to reviewing the play, ultimately determining that there was insufficient “clear and conclusive evidence to overturn the call on the floor.”
However, the Pistons were not finished. Cunningham had an opportunity from the corner on the opposite side for a potential go-ahead 3-pointer. Jrue Holiday contested the shot, causing it to ricochet off the side of the rim. Yet, Bojan Bogdanovic seized the rebound and executed a putback, knotting the game at 108-108.
Jayson Tatum had an opportunity at the opposite end for a game-winning shot in regulation, but it rebounded off the rim, resulting in the game heading into overtime.
During the extra session, both teams continued to exchange points until a crucial and-1 play by Holiday provided the Celtics with a decisive lead at 116-115 with 2:13 remaining in overtime. Despite the Pistons leading twice in the extra period and putting up a resilient effort against one of the league’s top teams, it proved insufficient to prevent another chapter in NBA history. Unfortunately, it led to their 28th consecutive loss, dropping their season record to 2-29.
Cade Cunningham puts forth his utmost effort:
Following his impressive 22-point first half, Cunningham concluded the game with an outstanding performance, registering 31 points, nine assists, and six steals. He shot efficiently, going 12 of 22 from the field and 4 of 6 from 3-point range. This notable effort came in the context of a historic loss, building on his 41-point contribution in the previous Tuesday’s defeat against the Brooklyn Nets, marking a single-season record 27th consecutive loss. Jaden Ivey contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Bogdanovic added 17 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
On the opposing side, Tatum’s 12-point third quarter played a pivotal role in sparking the Boston rally, culminating in his impressive stat line of 31 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and five steals. Kristaps Porzingis made a significant impact with 35 points and eight rebounds, with 29 of his points coming after halftime. His crucial baskets in the fourth quarter and overtime played a key role in fending off the Pistons’ challenges.
The Celtics managed to avoid potential embarrassment with the victory. Given Boston’s status with the best record in basketball, it was widely anticipated that Detroit would tie the record on Thursday. The prevailing question was whether the Pistons would eventually claim the record for themselves. They will now have the opportunity to do so on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors.