Coaching, Perimeter Defense Among Reasons for Loss

Coaching, Perimeter Defense Among 7 Reasons for Magic loss to Detroit

Jan 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Anthony Tolliver (43) dribbles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) defends in the second half at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 128-118. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

4) Tobias Harris functions best in the second unit.

The reserves have trouble scoring and Evan Fournier was not enough to fix that. Devyn Marble offers enough defensively that a slight hit in scoring can be taken, especially when the other four players on the court are having no trouble putting it in the hole.

Marble’s high upside may be just Bruce Bowen, but he is already pretty valuable at this point.

The thing is, by starting Marble, Harris has free range in the second unit, and a complete green light. This is perfect considering his issues with efficiency.

The Magic reserves outscored Pistons bench 53 to 30. Bench scoring had been a problem throughout the season and was only starting to improve.

By keeping Harris in the second unit, other teams have to focus on one good scorer. He scored 19 points in 25 minutes, and he posted a plus-7 in a game the Magic lost by 10. That is pretty telling.

Harris’ itchy trigger opens things up. It makes so much sense.

And yet, Jacque Vaughn will probably re-insert Harris into the starting lineup next game. It can probably be bet on with good confidence in fact.