Auburn Hills — There’s no magic elixir to heal the Pistons’ ills.
The latest issue is the bench, which was outscored, 65-21, by the Boston Celtics’ reserves in Friday’s 110-98 loss. It’s a confounding issue, precipitated by Reggie Jackson’s injury, which moved point guard Ish Smith, the engine of the second group, into a starting role and sending coach Stan Van Gundy looking for alternatives.
Trading two of the top scorers, Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley, in the Blake Griffin deal didn’t help the situation. The futility in Friday’s loss was another eye-opener.