Sports Psychologist and Fans Discuss Detroit Pistons’ Historic Losing Streak
The Detroit Pistons are set to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday in a game that holds much significance beyond a typical NBA matchup. A loss at Little Caesars Arena would mark the 29th consecutive defeat for the Pistons, capping off 2023 with an unprecedented slump for an NBA team. On Thursday, the Pistons equaled the league record for the most consecutive losses, previously set by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015. The Pistons were defeated in overtime by the Boston Celtics with a final score of 128-122, despite a commendable performance by second-year guard Cade Cunningham, who scored 31 points.
According to Cunningham, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Pistons are on par with the other teams they have faced, and he does not feel like they are being led into a “slaughterhouse.” Pistons’ head coach Monty Williams expressed his immense pride in the team, acknowledging the character and integrity it takes to persevere through such circumstances. The last victory for the Pistons came on October 28th against the Chicago Bulls. Additionally, the team is dealing with the absence of center Isaiah Stewart due to a toe injury, adding to their challenges as they prepare to face the Raptors.
Cunningham emphasized that the team’s goal goes beyond just winning one more game to halt the losing streak, highlighting their aspirations to establish a winning system. Despite the daunting task ahead, the Pistons are determined to focus on sustained success. If the Pistons are unable to secure a win against the Raptors, they will have another chance at redemption in their first game of 2024 against the Houston Rockets on January 1st.
