Longest Losing Streaks in NBA History

<p>Throughout the years the NBA has been littered with remarkable feats of excellence. From <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/most-nba-championships-of-all-time">record amounts of Championships</a> to truly <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/most-three-pointers-in-an-nba-game">crazy quantities of three-pointers</a>.</p> <p>We’ve been subjected to the best of the best again and again as records continue to tumble before our very eyes.</p> <p>Well, it’s time to put excellence on ice, because we’re taking a look at a very different kind of achievement here.</p> <p>It’s the record nobody wants, yet someone has to have – the longest losing streak in NBA history.</p> <p>With the Pistons, Spurs and the Wizards all having seasons to forget it got us thinking, what is the longest losing streak in NBA history?</p> <p>With the Pistons currently on a 20-game tailspin and the Spurs on a 17-match downer (at the time of writing) surely one of them is closing in on this unwanted record?</p> <p>Well let’s find out! Here are the longest losing streaks in NBA history.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What is the Longest Losing Streak in NBA History?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The current longest losing streak in NBA history belongs to the 2015 Philadelphia 76ers.</p> <p>They lost a whopping 28 straight games, which actually spanned two seasons, yikes. This losing streak has come to be known as “the process.” The process of deliberately tanking games in order to secure top draft picks.</p> <p>Philly’s tanking was so blatant, the NBA ended up changing the draft structure because of it - trust the process indeed.&nbsp;</p> <p>While that streak of 28 was over two seasons, the current longest single season losing streak is 26 games, which the 76ers actually share with the 2011 Cleveland Cavaliers.</p> <p>Both the Pistons and Spurs are closing in on this unwanted milestone and if things keep going the way they are, either of them could break it later this season.</p> <p>So where does this current incarnation of the Pistons stack up against the other basket cases from NBA history? Take a look below to find out.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Longest Losing Streaks in NBA History</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Philadelphia 76ers (1973), New York Knicks (1985), Dallas Mavericks (1993), LA Clippers (1994), Houston Rockets (2021), Detroit Pistons (2023) – 20 games.</strong></p> <p>The 2023 Detroit Pistons have joined a host of other franchises in losing 20 games on the trot.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Detroit Pistons (1980) – 21 games.</strong></p> <p>But wait, there’s more! The 1980 Pistons weren’t too flash either. They dropped 21 clangers in a row, will they be overtaken by their 2023 counterparts?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Charlotte Bobcats (2012), Denver Nuggets (1998), Vancouver Grizzlies (1996) – 23 games.</strong></p> <p>23 is an iconic number in basketball, but don’t mention it around these three franchises.</p> <p>The 2012 Bobcats (now the Hornets), 1998 Nuggets and 1996 Grizzlies all suffered 23 consecutive losses.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Cleveland Cavaliers (1982) – 24 games.</strong></p> <p>Roughly two decades before a fresh-faced LeBron burst onto the scene in their colours, the Cavs were getting dunked on by the rest of the NBA in 24 consecutive games.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Cleveland Cavaliers (2011) – 26 games.</strong></p> <p>Speaking of LeBron, the year he first left Cleveland wasn’t too flash for the Cavs. They went two better, well worse, than their 1982-selves losing 26 on the spin.</p> <p>Makes you wonder if LeBron leaving had anything to do with it? Probably.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Philadelphia 76ers (2015) – 28 games.</strong></p> <p>Taking out top spot, on maybe the only list you don’t want the gold medal is the aforementioned 76ers.</p> <p>Yes, Philly somehow lost 28 consecutive games, meaning they are the not-so-proud owners of the longest losing streak in NBA history.</p>

<p>Fancy a flutter on the NBA this season? Check out our expert <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/tips">NBA tips and predictions</a> for the latest and greatest insights and analysis.</p>