NBA roundup: Pistons nip Raptors to end 28-game losing streak, Timberwolves beat Lakers

The Detroit Pistons matched the Philadelphia 76ers' record losing streak when they were defeated by the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

The 76ers had suffered a 28-game skid that spanned across the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Detroit's dismal run marked the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history.

However, their first win since October prevented the Pistons from enduring another unfortunate milestone.

Cade Cunningham's impressive performance, featuring 30 points and 12 assists, helped Detroit regain the winning feeling. Although Gary Trent's last-second three-pointer narrowed the deficit, it came too late for a Raptors comeback.

Pistons head coach Monty Williams expressed the special scenes that unfolded in the locker-room after the win. He shared his immense happiness for the team and acknowledged that it was an unprecedented experience for him.

Williams, the 2022 NBA Coach of the Year, hoped that this victory would serve as a turning point for the team. He commended the players' spirit, their desire for improvement, and their relentless pursuit of answers.

Furthermore, Williams emphasized the difficulty of winning in the league and conveyed his utmost respect for the team.

Meanwhile, on his 39th birthday, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with James delivering a noteworthy performance of 26 points.

However, his three-point throw in the final seconds, which he believed would tie the game, was ruled as only a two-pointer by the referee, leading to his frustration the referee ruled it to be only a two-point effort.

Anthony Edwards, who led Minnesota in scoring with 31 points, made a free throw before James missed a buzzer-beater attempt.

Four-game winning streak
The Miami Heat's winning streak of four games came to an end with a 117-109 loss to the Utah Jazz, and their star player Jimmy Butler suffered another injury setback.

Butler had been sidelined with a calf injury during Miami's recent wins, but upon his return, he was unable to finish the game due to a foot injury in the third quarter, after scoring eight points.

Collin Sexton was the top scorer for the Jazz with 22 points, and Keyonte George contributed 21 points as the Jazz (14-19) secured the victory against the 19-13 Heat.

Although Utah pulled away in the late stages of the game, outscoring Miami 29-21 in the fourth quarter, it was a closely contested match with 25 lead changes and 12 ties.

While Bam Adebayo performed well for the Heat, scoring 28 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, Miami's supporting cast failed to step up when Butler was forced to leave the game. The Heat only made one field goal in the final 5:57.

Miami did manage to reduce Utah's lead to two points with 2:41 remaining, but the Jazz responded strongly to secure the win.

"During the second half, we were unable to contain them off the dribble, regardless of the play they ran," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.

With MVP candidate Joel Embiid still sidelined with an ankle injury, the Philadelphia 76ers, who are currently third in the Eastern Conference, suffered a 105-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls, dropping their record to 22-10 for the season. DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points and Coby White added 20 for the Bulls.

Luka Doncic returned to the lineup for the Dallas Mavericks after missing Thursday's game against Minnesota. He scored 39 points, with 25 of them coming in the second half, as his team defeated the Golden State Warriors 132-122.

Doncic also contributed ten assists and eight rebounds as Dallas improved to 19-14 for the season, while the Warriors (15-17) suffered their third consecutive loss.

Tyrese Haliburton's exceptional performance of 22 points and 23 assists, matching the franchise record, propelled the Indiana Pacers to a resounding 140-126 victory over the New York Knicks.