The Detroit Pistons are a historic franchise that have played the third-most Christmas Day games. But their stocking have often been filled with coal.
Detroit Pistons fans are lucky to not watch their team on Christmas in 2019, and the younger generation of fans may not know but the Pistons have a rich history.
The Pistons have played 32 games on Christmas day – trailing only the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers (45) – but haven’t played since 2005, an 82-70 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Not that the Pistons have warranted much of a reason to play in the NBA’s marquee set.
Despite a rich history of playing on Christmas, the Pistons have the fifth-worst win percentage, going 10-22 (.313). Only the Pelicans (0-2), Raptors (0-1), Nuggets (1-4) and Thunder (6-14) are worse, and either the Nuggets or Pelicans will pass them this year.
At least the last time the Pistons played on Christmas, the Goin’ to Work Pistons were 2-1. They lost in 2002 to the Orlando Magic, 104-99. In 2004, they would beat Indiana 98-93 with Richard Hamilton scoring 25 points and Chauncey Billups scoring 20 more.
Surprisingly, after winning the NBA Championship in 1989, the Pistons didn’t play on Christmas the following season. However, after winning back-to-back championships in 1990, Detroit would lose to Chicago 98-86. Joe Dumars scored a team-high 24 points and Isiah Thomas had a double-double with 23 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Michael Jordan‘s 37-point night.
Longevity helps a franchise accumulate history. With the Pistons franchise beginning in 1948 in Fort Wayne, it as allowed a long time for the Pistons to play in these types of marquee games.
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Detroit has only played on Christmas day seven times since 1980 and has gone 3-4 in those contests. They also lost in 1984 and 1996, and won in 1987 to go with the aforementioned games.
Unfortunately, it may take awhile before Pistons fans see their beloved basketball team in a marquee matchup on Christmas, even though there are now five games that feature one-third of the league’s teams.
Then again, maybe it’s for the better that fans can spend time with their family and friends instead of agonizing over the Pistons.
From the Piston Powered team to you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!