Nets’ league-worst defense implodes in loss to Pistons

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After ending a season-opening seven-game losing streak in Wednesday’s win at Indiana, the Nets fell back into familiar habits in their first NBA Cup game of the season, kicking off their next potential skid with Friday’s 125-107 loss to the Pistons at Barclays Center.

The Nets (1-8), who are now 0-5 at home this season, return to action Sunday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Brooklyn went cold after blowing an early 10-point lead, but it was the Nets’ league-worst defense that shouldered most of the blame for their latest loss, allowing the Pistons (7-2) to shoot nearly 60 percent from the field despite making 6-of-26 3s, inflated by an absurd 78 points in the paint.

Brooklyn’s interior defense was ripped straight from the playbook of the Washington Generals, allowing a comically constant flow of highlight dunks to the Pistons.

Cade Cunningham (34 points, 10 assists) used a windmill to thrill the packed crowd. Jalen Duren (30 points, 11 rebounds) produced powerful gasps, threatening to rip down the rim. 

Michael Porter Jr. scored a team-high 28 points, but it was Noah Clowney (19 points) who came out swinging, carrying Brooklyn by scoring 12 points (4-of-5 3-pointers) in the first four minutes.

The third-year forward opened the week averaging 4.3 points on 23.3 percent shooting from the field — missing nine straight 3s in his previous three games — but has now scored at least 15 points in his past three games.  

Detroit — which won its Eastern Conference-best fifth straight game — led 60-55 at halftime, then took control for good with a 12-2 run to open the third quarter, taking a 94-74 lead into the fourth quarter. Detroit led by as much as 24.

It was domination, but also inspiration.

Before last season, the Pistons hadn’t won a playoff game in 17 years. They hadn’t had a winning season in nine years. They hadn’t reached the playoffs in six years.

They had averaged fewer than 19 wins during a five-year stretch before last season’s breakthrough 44-win campaign, which ended with a thrilling first-round series loss against the Knicks.

One day, the Nets may get there, too. But not before many more nights like this.