Pistons: Notebook

Ben Gordon's happiness compromised by 2-3 record

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Toronto -- The start is exactly what the Pistons would have hoped for for Ben Gordon.

He's gone over 20 points in each of the Pistons' five games, including a season-high 30 in Wednesday's 110-99 loss to Toronto.

As advertised, Gordon has been an offensive machine, capable of carrying a team for long, long stretches.

But, as he mulled his first five games with the Pistons in a quiet locker room Wednesday, he wasn't satisfied.

"I judge myself in how many games we've won," Gordon said, and the Pistons' 2-3 start isn't what anyone wanted. "I'm not really looking at the numbers. I might have scored to help this team, but I have to do other things out there to try and get us a win."

The three-guard lineup of Gordon, Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum helped the Pistons get back in the game against Toronto, but ultimately, defensive breakdowns got the Raptors back in control.

"We have to make the game easier for ourselves," Gordon said. "We have to get some easy buckets and can't let our offense get stagnant. But tonight, it was about our defense in that second quarter (the Pistons allowed 44 points)."

With Richard Hamilton (sprained ankle) and Tayshaun Prince (back) both out of the lineup, coach John Kuester said Gordon has been a savior.

"Ben has taken ourselves on his shoulders, just as the other Ben (Wallace) has done defensively," Kuester said.

Amir sighting

Amir Johnson never could harness all his athleticism and become a regular with the Pistons. Now he's trying to do so in Toronto.

Johnson had six points and five rebounds in 17 minutes of playing time Wednesday for the Raptors.

"I'm not disappointed," said Johnson, who wound up with the Raptors after trades to the Spurs, then Bucks. "I realize it's a business. Things happen and you have to be ready."

Johnson has played sparingly with the Raptors, but coach Jay Triano has raved about his potential.

Injury update

Hamilton has missed four consecutive games counting Wednesday in Toronto, and likely will miss some more.

He said his sprained right ankle is healing gradually, but is unsure whether he'll play Friday in Orlando.

"We'll see," Hamilton said.

... Prince (back) will not play Friday in Orlando.

A new Daye

Rookie Austin Daye sparked the Pistons in the second half in his first extended action of the regular season.

Daye had five points, three rebounds and two blocks in just shy of 17 minutes.

""He's somebody who hadn't gotten a tremendous amount of opportunity, but he came in and gave us a lift," Kuester said.