Ben Gordon scored 20 points and had plenty of help as the Detroit Pistons posted their first win of the season, a 97-90 triumph over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night.

Rip Hamilton scored 16 points and Tayshaun Prince added 14 for the Pistons (1-5), who were off to their worst start since losing their first seven games in 1980-81.

Austin Daye set the tone with two early 3-pointers and Detroit had a 32-15 lead on 13-of-20 shooting after the first quarter. A layup by Tracy McGrady pushed the edge to 41-22 minutes into the second quarter, but Charlotte slowed the surge and moved within 55-39 at the break.

Stephen Jackson scored 10 points in the third as the Bobcats pulled within 63-62 with 1:22 left, but a 9-2 run sparked by two 3-pointers by Charlie Villanueva pushed the lead to eight heading into the fourth quarter.

Charlotte moved within 88-85 on a 3-pointer from the left corner by D.J. Augustin with 90 seconds left, but Detroit responded again. Hamilton converted a three-point play on a drive from left to right to give Detroit some breathing room.

Jackson scored 28 points but committed six of the Bobcats' 24 turnovers as the club dropped to 1-4.

Detroit point guard Rodney Stuckey did not play after refusing to twice re-enter Wednesday’s game with the Atlanta Hawks. McGrady started in his place and had 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.