Detroit nearing record
Pistons drowning in season of futility
Kelly Olynyk scored 25 points and the short-handed Utah Jazz beat host Detroit, 119-111, on Thursday night for the Pistons’ 25th straight loss — one short of the NBA single- season record.
The 2010- 11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers share the record at 26. The 76ers hold the overall mark at 28, a skid that started in the 2014-15 season and carried over into 2015- 16. Back in action Saturday night in Brooklyn, the Pistons are 2-26 under first-year coach Monty Williams.
Utah played without four of its top seven scorers — Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George and Talen Horton-Tucker — on the second night of a back-to-back after losing at Cleveland on Wednesday. Collin Sexton added 19 points for Utah. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 28 points and 10 assists.
Other games
Pelicans 123, Cavaliers 104: Trey Murphy III scored 28 points while starting in place of New Orleans star Zion Williamson — out with an illness — and the visiting Pelicans pulled away in the second half to beat undermanned Cleveland. Dean Wade had 20 points for Cleveland. The Cavaliers played without their top three scorers — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Grizzlies 116, Pacers 103: Ja Morant had 20 points and eight assists in his first home game following a 25-game suspension to help Memphis beat Indiana. Memphis was still relishing Morant’s return Tuesday night in New Orleans when the he scored 34 points and made the winning, spinning layup as time expired. He was suspended by the NBA for waving a gun at least twice on social media. Obi Toppin led Indiana with 22 points.
Thunder 134, L.A. Clippers 115: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, and host Oklahoma City beat the Clippers, ending Los Angeles’ nine-game winning streak. James Harden scored 23 points for the Clippers.
Bulls 114, Spurs 95: Coby White scored 22 points and host Chicago beat San Antonio for the Spurs’ 21st loss in 22 games. Prized rookie Victor Wembanyama finished with a season- low seven points and five rebounds.
Bucks 118, Magic 114: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 37 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as host Milwaukee beat Orlando for its sixth consecutive victory. Franz Wagner scored 29 points for the Magic.