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Pistons fall to Raptors despite Augustin's career-high 35

Xinhua, January 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Detroit Pistons guard D.J. Augustin's career-high 35 points was not enough in the team's 114-110 loss to Toronto Raptors on Sunday night NBA action.

Prior to the game, Pistons learned that guard Brandon Jennings would miss the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, the 1.83 meter Augustin was substituted into the starting line-up and exploded with a career-night.

Augustin scored a career-high 35 points on 12-for-20 shooting, the 12 made field goals was also a career high. Augustin's previous career-best was 33 points in a March 30 game against Boston last season.

Augustin also recorded season highs in minutes played (37), field goals attempted (25), three-pointers made (5) and three-point attempts (9).

"It's unfortunately what happened to Brandon," said Augustin following the game. "I'm going to play my game and continue to try to attack and be aggressive."

Augustin knows his new starting role will take some getting used to, as the game dynamics differ from coming off the bench.

"When you're able to come out early and play a lot of minutes, you get more comfortable rather than coming off the bench," said Augustin. "You get a rhythm quicker."

Augustin will have to make adjustments on the defensive end, as head coach Stan Van Gundy was extremely displeased with his team's effort on the defensive end in the loss against Toronto.

"Our defence is terrible," said Van Gundy following the game. "If you can't win scoring 110 points, you don't deserve to."

In the last four games, Detroit has struggled defensively, allowing opponents to score 106.5 points and losing three of four. In the 13 games prior, Detroit held opponents to 96.2 points per game and had an 11-2 record.

"We've now had three straight games where we have not guarded," said Van Gundy. "I don't know if the guys in the locker room are willing to dig in defensively and do the tough work."

Augustin believes he is ready to dig in and contribute on the defensive end as well.

"Whatever coach needs me to do, I'll go out there and bust my butt," said Augustin. Endi