Pistons' losing streak at 20 games, drop 131-123 decision against Pacers
DETROIT — Twenty is now the magic number.
Not points. Not rebounds. Not assists. Not even turnovers.
The Pistons are losers of 20 consecutive games after a 131-123 defeat to the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena. Despite a much-improved offensive effort due to a smaller lineup, a tighter rotation and intentional staggering, the Pistons just couldn't put together four quarters of consistent play.
The Pistons trailed by six points with six minutes left when Myles Turner connected on a turnaround baseline jumper from 15 feet. Two plays later, he took advantage of a size matchup as he spun off of Ausar Thompson and converted on a layup.
The result? Boos from the Pistons faithful as the 20th consecutive loss seemed inevitable.
Cade Cunningham led Detroit in scoring with 23 points, six rebounds and six assists. Thompson, who was inserted into the starting lineup in place of the injured-Marvin Bagley III, finished with 20 points and six rebounds. It was a welcome sight for the rookie wing after struggling in four games off the bench. Jaden Ivey and Alec Burks provided the scoring punch off the bench for the Pistons and totaled 18 points and 14 points, respectively.
The Pacers, who were coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship game of the In-Season Tournament, were led by Bennedict Mathurin. The second-year wing led the Pacers with 30 points, seven rebounds and eight assists off the bench. He was efficient with a 10-of-17 night from the field.
Turner totaled 23 points and eight rebounds on 10-of-15 from the field. Buddy Hield added 16 points and four rebounds. The Pistons limited Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton to 14 points on 5-of-12 from the field, but he got his teammates involved with 16 assists. He scored eight points in the fourth quarter, which included a dagger rainbow 3-pointer with 3:48 left. After the shot went in, he taunted a few Pistons fans that were heckling him throughout the game.
The Pistons went with a smaller starting lineup on Monday due to a back injury to Bagley and the adjustment worked well for their offense, but they were beaten on the boards, 43-30. Without Jalen Duren and Bagley, the Pistons couldn't keep Indiana off the glass. The Pac
The Pistons couldn't catch the Pacers off balance on Monday and will shift their focus to Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The matchup is the first of a home-road series against the 76ers, which will end on Friday night in Philadelphia.
Wednesday's game is imperative because another loss would tie the Pistons' longest overall losing streak in franchise history, which was 21 games set over two seasons in 1979-81.
