The end of the work week has arrived, and Christmas Day is so close you can taste it. Start your Friday off on a high note and take in all of the top NBA news and highlights with today's edition of The Morning Dunk.
Pistons Blow Opportunity To End Streak
It was the ideal setup for the Detroit Pistons to finally put an end to their 24-game losing streak. The visiting Utah Jazz were on the second night of a back-to-back slate and were without the services of leading scorer Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Keyonte George.
It was ultimately an opportunity squandered.
Detroit failed to take advantage of the depleted Jazz in a 119-111 defeat at Little Caesars in front of thousands of disgruntled fans, extending its streak to 25 games and one loss shy of tying the single-season NBA record.
Pistons fans started chanting "sell the team" after 25th straight loss tonight. pic.twitter.com/rDwjDN7pJf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 22, 2023
Despite the talent advantage, Las Vegas erred on the side of caution and still listed the Pistons as the 1.5-point underdogs heading into the matchup. They're now 1-7 ATS across their last eight outings.
SGA, Thunder Snap Clippers' Winning Streak
Nothing lasts forever.
The Oklahoma City Thunder put a halt to the Los Angeles Clippers' nine-game winning streak on Thursday night, led by former Clipper Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31 points and four steals in a 134-115 victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 PTS) leads the charge as OKC picks up their 3rd win in a row! ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/cRxkSXJjU1
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2023
Gilgeous-Alexander's odds have greatly improved in the race for Most Valuable Player. The 25-year-old guard currently sits at +650 behind only Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, which is a tremendous improvement after opening the campaign at +1800.
Giannis, Bucks Continue Winning Ways
With the Clippers' loss, the longest winning streak in basketball now belongs to the Milwaukee Bucks, who are now winners of six in a row after edging out the Orlando Magic 118-114 on Thursday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his 10th game of the 2023-24 season with 35 or more points, finishing with 37 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and a pair of blocks in 37 minutes.
Giannis went to WORK all night, scoring 37 PTS and leading the @Bucks to their 6th-straight win 😤🦌 pic.twitter.com/UJFocZWJng
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2023
The Bucks failed to cover as the 6.5-point favorites, and in a surprising trend, are now 0-8 ATS in their last eight games played on a Thursday.
