The Longest Losing Streaks in NBA History

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:

Date	Opponent	Result	Score
Mar 27, 2015	vs. Los Angeles Clippers	Loss	98-119
Mar 29, 2015	@ Cleveland Cavaliers	Loss	86-87
Mar 30, 2015	vs. Los Angeles Lakers	Loss	113-119
Apr 1, 2015	@ Washington Wizards	Loss	93-106
Apr 4, 2015	vs. Charlotte Hornets	Loss	91-92
Apr 5, 2015	@ New York Knicks	Loss	94-101
Apr 8, 2015	@ Washington Wizards	Loss	74-119
Apr 10, 2015	@ Brooklyn Nets	Loss	105-107
Apr 11, 2015	vs. Chicago Bulls	Loss	107-114
Apr 13, 2015	vs. Milwaukee Bucks	Loss	97-107
Apr 15, 2015	vs. Miami Heat	Loss	105-112
Oct 28, 2015	@ Boston Celtics	Loss	95-112
Oct 30, 2015	vs. Utah Jazz	Loss	71-99
Nov 2, 2015	vs. Cleveland Cavaliers	Loss	100-107
Nov 4, 2015	@ Milwaukee Bucks	Loss	87-91
Nov 6, 2015	@ Cleveland Cavaliers	Loss	102-108
Nov 7, 2015	vs. Orlando Magic	Loss	97-105
Nov 9, 2015	vs. Chicago Bulls	Loss	88-111
Nov 11, 2015	vs. Toronto Raptors	Loss	103-119
Nov 13, 2015	@ Oklahoma City Thunder	Loss	85-102
Nov 14, 2015	@ San Antonio Spurs	Loss	83-92
Nov 16, 2015	vs. Dallas Mavericks	Loss	86-92
Nov 18, 2015	vs. Indiana Pacers	Loss	85-112
Nov 20, 2015	@ Charlotte Hornets	Loss	88-113
Nov 21, 2015	@ Miami Heat	Loss	91-96
Nov 23, 2015	@ Minnesota Timberwolves	Loss	95-100
Nov 25, 2015	@ Boston Celtics	Loss	80-84
Nov 27, 2015	@ Houston Rockets	Loss	114-116
Nov 29, 2015	@ Memphis Grizzlies	Loss	84-92
Dec 1, 2015	vs. Los Angeles Lakers	Win	103-91

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:

Date	Opponent	Result	Score
Oct 30, 2023	vs. Oklahoma City Thunder	Loss	112-124
Nov 1, 2023	@ Miami Heat	Loss	98-110
Nov 3, 2023	@ Brooklyn Nets	Loss	92-106
Nov 5, 2023	vs. Golden State Warriors	Loss	99-120
Nov 7, 2023	vs. Milwaukee Bucks	Loss	105-115
Nov 9, 2023	@ Philadelphia 76ers	Loss	89-112
Nov 11, 2023	@ Chicago Bulls	Loss	101-118
Nov 13, 2023	vs. Toronto Raptors	Loss	95-110
Nov 15, 2023	vs. Indiana Pacers	Loss	102-116
Nov 17, 2023	@ Cleveland Cavaliers	Loss	88-104
Nov 19, 2023	@ Atlanta Hawks	Loss	97-113
Nov 21, 2023	vs. Charlotte Hornets	Loss	99-108
Nov 23, 2023	vs. Houston Rockets	Loss	94-109
Nov 25, 2023	@ Orlando Magic	Loss	90-105
Nov 27, 2023	@ New York Knicks	Loss	85-110
Nov 29, 2023	vs. Boston Celtics	Loss	92-118
Dec 1, 2023	vs. Washington Wizards	Loss	98-112
Dec 3, 2023	@ Denver Nuggets	Loss	87-115
Dec 5, 2023	@ Utah Jazz	Loss	91-108
Dec 7, 2023	@ Phoenix Suns	Loss	95-120
Dec 9, 2023	@ Los Angeles Lakers	Loss	88-113
Dec 11, 2023	@ Los Angeles Clippers	Loss	90-114
Dec 13, 2023	vs. Memphis Grizzlies	Loss	99-110
Dec 15, 2023	vs. Sacramento Kings	Loss	101-119
Dec 17, 2023	@ New Orleans Pelicans	Loss	93-112
Dec 19, 2023	@ Dallas Mavericks	Loss	89-115
Dec 21, 2023	vs. San Antonio Spurs	Loss	97-109
Dec 23, 2023	vs. Minnesota Timberwolves	Loss	92-114
Dec 30, 2023	vs. Toronto Raptors	Win	129-127

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:

Rank	Team	Consecutive Losses	Season(s)	Notes
1	Philadelphia 76ers	28	2014–15 to 2015–16	Spanned two seasons; tied for longest in NBA history.
1	Detroit Pistons	28	2023–24	Longest single-season losing streak.
3	Cleveland Cavaliers	26	2010–11	Occurred after LeBron James’ departure.
3	Philadelphia 76ers	26	2013–14	Tied with Cavaliers for third-longest streak.
5	Charlotte Bobcats	23	2011–12	Shortened season due to lockout; worst winning percentage in NBA history.
5	Denver Nuggets	23	1997–98	Finished season with 11–71 record.
7	Vancouver Grizzlies	23	1995–96	Occurred during inaugural season.
8	New York Knicks	20	1984–85	Longest losing streak in franchise history.
8	Dallas Mavericks	20	1993–94	Tied with Knicks for eighth-longest streak.
8	Atlanta Hawks	20	2004–05	Tied with Knicks and Mavericks for eighth-longest streak.

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!