The Detroit Pistons claimed the unwanted record of having the longest losing run in an NBA season as they fell to a 27th consecutive defeat against the Brooklyn Nets.

Having only won two matches this season, the Pistons continued their losing run on Boxing Day as they were defeated 118-112.

They will match the overall record of 28 defeats, a record set by Philadelphia 76ers over two seasons, if they lose to the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

The long-suffering Pistons fans, who have been calling on owner Tom Gores to sell the team, were given hope that the losing run was coming to an end as their team opened up a 14 point lead during the first quarter.

Having surrendered that advantage to trail 61-54 at half-time, they hit back to lead 97-92 in the fourth quarter as Cade Cunningham scored 41 points.

Thirteen straight points from the Nets swung the game their way and secured the Pistons an unwanted place in the record books.