When a team sets a franchise record for most consecutive losses in a single season, any signs of hope are welcome.
The Detroit Pistons took some positives from their 16th straight defeat — leaving them winless in November — at New York on Thursday. They will try to avoid extending the streak when they host Cleveland on Saturday.
After getting blown out by Indiana, Washington and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pistons gave the Knicks a tussle before succumbing, 118-112.
Cunningham had 31 points and eight assists but also tied his season high with seven turnovers. As usual, the Pistons were playing catch-up most of the way. Their biggest lead was two points.
Williams shook up the lineup, inserting forward Isaiah Livers and guard Killian Hayes. The team’s high lottery picks in 2022 and 2023 — Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson — saw their playing time reduced to 13 minutes apiece.
The Cavaliers have won the past six meetings between the Central Division clubs.
Cleveland has won six of its past nine games but the latest loss stung. The Cavs were defeated at home Thursday by Portland, 103-95. Cleveland led by 16 points in the first half but the Trail Blazers cut the deficit to six by halftime, then controlled the second half.
Despite home wins over Toronto and Atlanta in the previous two outings, the Cavs didn’t get a pass from their fans. The home crowd voiced its displeasure during the second half.
Cleveland now begins a stretch where it plays five of six on the road. The game on Saturday begins a stretch for the Pistons in which they play four of five at home.
