The Detroit Pistons and the Quest for Infamy: Breaking NBA Records with Their Losing Streak
The Detroit Pistons have now clinched the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history, with 27 consecutive losses. As they inch closer to the all-time record, we take a look at the longest losing streaks in U.S. sports history and the teams that have become synonymous with failure.
The Detroit Pistons have found themselves in the midst of a historic losing streak, capturing the attention of basketball fans and sports enthusiasts alike. With a 118-112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, the Pistons extended their losing streak to 27 games, surpassing the previous record held by the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers. As the Pistons inch closer to the all-time record, we delve into the teams that have etched their names into the annals of sports history as the longest losers.
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers (2014-15 to 15-16 season), 28 games
The Process-era Philadelphia 76ers are no strangers to losing. Under the guidance of General Manager Sam Hinkie, the team embraced a strategy of intentional losing to secure high draft picks. In the 2013-14 season, the 76ers set the record for the longest single-season losing streak with 26 consecutive losses. However, their losing ways continued into the following season, as they extended their streak to 28 games. The 76ers’ tanking strategy ultimately yielded mixed results, with the team failing to find sustained success despite acquiring top draft picks.
NFL: Chicago Cardinals (1942-45), 29 games
In the realm of American football, the Chicago Cardinals hold the dubious distinction of the longest losing streak in NFL history. Over the course of four seasons from 1942 to 1945, the Cardinals endured a staggering 29 consecutive losses. Despite merging with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1944 due to a player shortage caused by World War II, the Cardinals struggled to find success on the field. Their losing streak was finally broken by a victory over crosstown rivals, the Chicago Bears, in 1945.
MLB: Louisville Colonels (1889), 26 games
The Louisville Colonels of the 1889 MLB season hold the record for the longest losing streak in Major League Baseball history. With a woeful record of 27-111-2, the Colonels suffered 26 consecutive losses during that season. The team’s struggles extended from May 22 to June 22, with their losing streak finally halted by a narrow 3-2 defeat to the St. Louis Browns. The Colonels’ ineptitude on both offense and defense contributed to their abysmal record, as they scored the fewest runs in the league while allowing the most.
NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins (2003-04) and Buffalo Sabres (2020-21), 18 games
In the realm of ice hockey, two teams share the record for the longest losing streak in NHL history. The Pittsburgh Penguins endured 18 consecutive losses during the 2003-04 season, with superstar Mario Lemieux sidelined for most of the season due to injury. Despite their struggles, the Penguins’ poor performance that season allowed them to secure the second overall pick in the following draft, ultimately selecting future franchise player Evgeni Malkin.
More recently, the Buffalo Sabres matched the Penguins’ losing streak with 18 consecutive losses during the 2020-21 season. The Sabres’ struggles culminated in a 6-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, narrowly avoiding claiming the record as their own. Despite their losing streak, the Sabres secured the first overall pick in the draft, selecting promising prospect Owen Power.
WNBA: Tulsa Shock (2011), Indiana Fever (2022-23), 20 games
The longest losing streak in WNBA history is shared by two teams: the Tulsa Shock and the Indiana Fever. The Tulsa Shock endured a 20-game losing streak during the 2011 season, finishing with a dismal 3-31 record. Despite their struggles, the Shock failed to secure the first overall pick in the draft, missing out on top prospect Nneka Ogwumike.
More recently, the Indiana Fever matched the Shock’s 20-game losing streak, with an 18-game losing streak at the end of the 2022 season carrying over into the 2023 season. The Fever’s poor performance secured them the first overall pick in the draft, allowing them to select highly touted prospect Aliyah Boston.
Conclusion:
As the Detroit Pistons continue their historic losing streak, they find themselves on the cusp of breaking the all-time record for the longest losing streak in U.S. sports history. While the Pistons’ struggles have captured the attention of fans and media alike, they join a long list of teams that have become synonymous with failure. From the intentional losing of the Philadelphia 76ers to the historic ineptitude of the Chicago Cardinals, these teams have left an indelible mark on the sports landscape. As the Pistons inch closer to the record, their quest for infamy continues to captivate and intrigue both basketball enthusiasts and casual fans alike.