The NBA is known for its high-flying action, incredible athleticism and memorable moments. However, not every moment in NBA history is a highlight reel. Losing streaks, while less celebrated, are an integral part of the league’s narrative and have proved to be more extensive than in the MLB or NFL. Here, we delve into some of the longest NBA losing streaks in history, spotlighting the teams that suffered these challenging runs.

#5. Cleveland Cavaliers – 24 Games

The Cleveland Cavaliers have experienced their fair share of ups and downs throughout history. One of the most challenging periods came during the 2010-2011 season when the team endured a 24-game losing streak. This streak, which lasted from December 20, 2010, to February 9, 2011, tied the record for the longest NBA losing streak in one season at that time.

The Cavaliers struggled significantly after the departure of LeBron James to the Miami Heat, finding it difficult to win games without a new superstar. This streak underscored James’ impact on the franchise and highlighted the struggles of a rebuilding team.

#3=. Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers – 26 Games

#2 on the list of the longest NBA losing streaks is shared by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers, both enduring 26-game losing streaks in separate seasons.

The Cavaliers matched this dubious record again during the 2010-2011 season, spanning the latter part of the season into the next. This period was marked by a series of injuries, a lack of cohesion and overall poor performance on both ends of the court.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ streak came during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons. The “Process” era, aiming to rebuild the team through high draft picks and developing young talent, saw the team deliberately prioritize future potential over immediate success. This strategy resulted in significant losing stretches, including this 26-game losing streak from January 31, 2014, to March 27, 2014. While painful for fans, this period eventually led to the acquisition of key players who have since helped the 76ers become competitive again.

#1=. Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons – 28 Games

The longest losing streaks in NBA history belong to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons, each going through 28-game losing streaks.

The 76ers’ 28-game losing streak spanned parts of the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. This streak, stretching from March 27, 2015, to November 27, 2015, was part of the ongoing “Process” period. The team struggled to compete nightly, often finding themselves overmatched and unable to close out games. Despite the agony of this streak, it contributed to the eventual rebuild that saw the team draft and develop talents like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

Here’s how the miserable streak unfolded, finally broken by a much-needed win against the Lakers in December:

The Detroit Pistons also suffered a 28-game losing streak during the 2023-24 season, highlighting one of the franchise’s most challenging periods. Missing star player Cade Cunningham due to injury and with a mismanaged, jumbled roster of young talent, this streak underscored significant struggles on both ends of the court. The Pistons are working on rebuilding with the right pieces and finding a path back to competitiveness in the league.

While the 76ers’ miserable streak occurred over two consecutive seasons, the Detroit fans had to witness their teams 28 losses in a row during the same 2023/24 season.

Here are the box scores from that streak, including the narrow win over the Toronto Raptors that finally gave the beleaguered Detroit fans something to cheer about:

Top 10 Longest Losing Streaks in the NBA

Here is a table of the 10 NBA teams with the longest losing streaks, with the losing-est teams at the top:

Longest Post-Season Losing Streak: Detroit Pistons

In addition to regular-season losing streaks, the Detroit Pistons hold a notable streak in the postseason. The Pistons are currently on a 14-game losing streak in playoff games, the longest active postseason losing streak in the NBA. The Pistons are working on rebuilding their roster and hope to end this streak and return to playoff success shortly. However, the signs are not overly promising and it’s fair to say that 2023-24 season was not a great success. The Pistons finished the regular season with a record of 14 wins and 68 losses, placing them last in the Eastern Conference with the worst record in the whole of the NBA.

But as Detroit-based optimists will be quick to point out, the only way is up!