6 teams with the longest losing streaks in NBA history against one opponent
The LA Lakers' 11-game skid against the Denver Nuggets was the fifth-longest in NBA history, and they finally snapped it with a 119-108 win in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Saturday.
After going down three games on the trot, a loss would have extended the streak to a dozen games, tying with the Portland Trail Blazers, who have lost 12 consecutive games to the OKC Thunder. Despite the win, LA is still not out of the woods, as they fight to stay alive in the playoffs, training Denver 3-1.
Over the last few seasons, there have been teams who have not been able to get past opponents who have had their number. Here's a look at six such teams who have a lengthy double-digit losing streak against one opponent.
Six teams with the longest losing streaks in NBA history against one opponent
#6 Detroit Pistons vs LA Cippers- 10
The LA Clippers have had the edge over the Detroit Pistons for 10 games now.
While the latter boast a 72-54 advantage in their head-to-head matchups, the last 10 games have gone the Clippers' way. This season, they beat the Pistons in both of their encounters in the 2023-24 NBA regular season.
#5 LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets - 11
The LA Lakers were swept 4-0 last season in the Western Conference Finals.
That was followed by four regular season losses and three consecutive defeats in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The tally was 11, but LA bounced back in Game 4 to arrest that slide.
#4 Portland Trail Blazers vs OKC Thunder - 12
The Portland Trail Blazers not only trail the OKC Thunder 135-120 in overall matchups but have also been trounced in their four regular-season meetings this season, marking 12 consecutive losses against the Thunder.
They ended their first NBA season without Damian Lillard in 15th place in the West.
#3 Charlotte Hornets vs LA Clippers - 12
The Charlotte Hornets are the other Eastern Conference team with a troubled record against the LA Clippers.
Like the Blazers against OKC, they have lost their last 12 games against the Clippers. They met twice this season with the Clippers taking both games.
#2 Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors - 13
As impressive as the Houston Rockets have been under Ime Udoka, they have been unable to get past West rivals Golden State Warriors in their last 13 NBA matchups.
Both teams met thrice this season, but Houston never had lift off against the Dubs in any of the contests.
#1 Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks - 15
The Detroit Pistons have their name cemented for the infamous record of losing 28 games in a row — the longest losing streak in league history.
To their misfortune, they also have the longest losing streak against East rivals New York Knicks that began in 2020. They are yet to win in 15 games.