The Detroit Pistons tied an NBA record for most consecutive losses after being defeated by the Boston Celtics 122-128 on the road in overtime. For Detroit, it was the 28th consecutive defeat.
At the Tee Dee Garden, the three-time champions played hard against a team with the best balance in the League, leading by 21 points at the end of the second half, but victory again eluded them. The hosts made up for their deficit in the third quarter (35:16), and after the final siren, the score was tied and an additional five minutes were played, in which Jason Tatum and company prevailed.
Tatums finished with 31 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals, center Kristaps Porzingis had 35 points and 8 rebounds, and Derrick White added 23 points. For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham again led the way with 31 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, and Jaden Ivey scored 22 points.
"I'm extremely proud of this team and what they're showing. They hear a lot about our team, but they continue to show heart. It's going to pay off sooner or later," Detroit coach Monty Williams said.
In doing so, the Pistons snapped the Philadelphia 76ers' record 28-game losing streak and must beat the Toronto Raptors at home on Sunday if they are not to become holders of the all-time record.
The Boston Celtics lead the East with 24 wins and 6 losses. /BGNES
