Cleveland Cavaliers Lose NBA-Record 25th Straight Game: When Will They Win Next?

The Cleveland Cavaliers broke their own record last night, falling to the Dallas Mavericks for their 25th straight loss. The previous NBA losing streak record was 24, set by these same Cavaliers between the 1981/82 and 1982/83 seasons.

Naturally, they lost it in typical Cavaliers fashion, getting very close, then blowing it with a shocking display of ineptitude. Trailing by three points with 10 seconds left, they forced a Mavericks turnover and had a chance to win. Instead of calling timeout, Anthony Parker launched a three-pointer that hit off the front rim. The Cavaliers scrambled and got the rebound, but Jamario Moon and Antawn Jamison didn't know how much time was left and both elected to pass off as time expired.

That triggered a number of different responses. Byron Scott had a wry smile. Daniel Gibson had a blank expression on his face. Jamison grimaced, then had a wry smile as well. All the while, Jack Daniels was gifted with perfect product placement, even if it was on the Mavericks' broadcast. Alcohol may be the only way for Cavaliers fans to drown their sorrows at this point.

So what's next for Cleveland? The all-time professional sports record for most consecutive losses is 26, set by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the 1976 and 1977 NFL seasons. The Cavaliers actually have a good chance of snapping their losing streak, with home games against the Detroit Pistons Wednesday and the Los Angeles Clippers Friday. Those two teams have a combined 38-69 record on the season.

But if Cleveland doesn't win either of those games, they will set the all-time professional sports record for most consecutive losses. That would set up a showdown for the ages on Sunday, when the Washington Wizards and their 0-25 road mark come to town. If the Cavaliers can't win that one, we may be using the #lasttimetheCavswon hashtag on Twitter for a long, long time.