Pistons have 10-point first quarter, an NBA low this season, in loss to Pelicans

The Detroit Pistons scored just 10 points in the first quarter — an NBA-low this season.

Things improved from there. Not enough to overcome the horrific start, though.

A severely depleted Pistons team trailed by 19 points after the first and never got back within single digits the rest of the way, leading to an 114-101 home blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. They committed nine turnovers and shot 4-for-19 from the floor — including 0for-10 from 3 — in the opening period.

The Pistons' 10-point first quarter is their eighth such instance scoring 10 or fewer in the opening quarter since the franchise moved to Detroit in 1957. (They scored a franchise-worst eight points in April 2022 vs. Milwaukee.)

The Pistons were without a significant chunk of their rotation. Eight players were out — Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Simone Fontecchio,

Quentin Grimes, Stanley Umude and Taj Gibson.

Cunningham was listed available all afternoon, until he was a last-minute scratch due to left knee injury management. The Pistons were on the first end of a back-to-back; they play at New York on Monday night.

The Pistons' offense came alive in the second quarter, as Jaden Ivey hit consecutive 3pointers followed by another from two-way contract player Buddy Boeheim, which whittled the deficit to 12. A midrange jumper from

Tosan Evbuomwan shortly after got the Pistons within 11.

But Zion Williamson (36 points, seven rebounds, six assists) closed the half strong, waltzing into the paint on four consecutive drives to bring the Pelicans' lead back to 57-41. Williamson, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, finished 13-for-14 from the floor and 10-for-14 on free throws.

After shooting 6-for-13 from 3 in the second quarter, the Pistons went cold again and finished the night with an 26.8% clip from long range (11-for-41).

The Pistons were led by 17 points each from Malachi Flynn and Chimezie Metu, who signed a 10-day contract Wednesday. Ivey added 16 points, and James Wiseman scored 15 and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Injuries hit as Pistons try to avoid being the worst

The 1979-80 Pistons own the franchise’s worst record at 16-66. (Last season's Pistons went 17-65.) This year’s team is well on pace to relieve the '79-80 team of its unfortunate legacy.

With a league-worst 12-59 record, the Pistons need to win four of their final 11 games just to tie the previous worst Pistons team ever.

Even though there are several winnable games remaining, the Pistons will be limited by their lengthy injury report, as well as having just two home games remaining.

The Pistons’ remaining schedule at Knicks, Monday at Timberwolves, Wednesday at Wizards, Friday vs. Grizzlies, April 1 at Hawks, April 3 at Grizzlies, April 5 at Nets, April 6 at 76ers, April 9 vs. Bulls, April 11 at Mavericks, April 12 at Spurs, April 14