The Detroit Pistons have rattled off 23 straight losses after laying another egg in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, ultimately embarrassing them 146-114. Only two NBA teams have ever had a longer losing streak in a season.
The Pistons trailed the Bucks 81-56 at halftime after yet another lack of performance on both ends of the court. Defense wasn't a problem for Milwaukee, which shot 59.6% from the floor in the first half and made 11 three-pointers on 25 attempts.
The Pistons were a step down from the opening tip and fell behind by 23 points in the first quarter. The Bucks took a 17-6 lead in the first five minutes and went up 24-10 with 5:55 left. The Pistons cut the lead to 12 with three minutes left in the quarter, but Milwaukee ended the quarter with a 14-3 run and a 23-point lead.
READ MORE: The Pistons have remained stagnant while the Orlando Magic have risen. What the hell happened?
The second quarter was more competitive as the Pistons' shooting quality increased but the Bucks continued to score at will. The Bucks extended the lead to 30 points in the first few minutes of the second quarter after Bobby Portis harassed Detroit several times at the free throw line. The Pistons kept the lead under 30 for the rest of the quarter, but didn't show enough signs of a miraculous comeback and never got closer than 18 in the second half.
Like a car accident, people can't look away. The Pistons' incompetence has garnered a lot of attention, and Saturday's new low is no different. The NBA world was shocked by the league's worst team on its way to its 23rd straight loss:
CHANGE MUST COME: The Pistons have no hope left. No place in professional sports is worse.