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It's extremely tough to say the bench has been a crucial factor in giving the Hornets a birth in the playoffs. Unfortunately the bench has underachieved greatly this year. The additions of Bonzi Wells and Chris Andersen in midseason showed that the organization didn't have the greatest faith in the players coming in off the pine. But at the same time .. the bench has played an important factor in the team's victories. When he was still with the team .. Bobby Jackson hit key shots for a stretch and Jannero Pargo's intensity and jump shot can never be valued by his points per game. Unfortunately, though .. after Pargo and Wells the bench doesn't have much to offer. Hilton Armstrong tries but his hands are probably made of bricks and Julian Wright is raw and therefore Byron Scott doesn't really rely or trust on him enough down the stretch. Players like Ryan Bowen and Melvin Ely hustle and try but they don't have much to bring to the table.
All that said .. the bench will HAVE to step up for the Hornets to beat the Mavericks. If the two key players .. Jannero Pargo and Bonzi Wells .. step up and perform on the biggest stage then the Hornets can virtually be unstoppable .. but unfortunately neither of them is very consistent. The bench is going to have to step up to give the starters breathers in the game and also will be counted on to hit big shots. The problem is .. they haven't been very reliable. But they're all streaky .. and when they're on .. the Hornets are virtually unbeatable.
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