Steve Clifford, Charlotte Hornets
One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the success of the Charlotte Hornets, specifically in the second half of the season. Unfortunately, because of the team’s lack of consistency in the first half of the season, perhaps Clifford doesn’t come away with the hardware.
In the second half of the season, specifically since Jan 22, the Hornets are 26-10. That’s the third best record in the NBA. If Charlotte had played at that pace all season long, they’d end with some 57 wins this season. That’s insane.
Furthermore, the Hornets have the best record in the Eastern Conference since that point. I can’t stress how impressive that is, especially considering that the Hornets are being led by Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lin and Nicolas Batum.
They don’t have the best roster in the Eastern Conference, much less the NBA, but Clifford has figured out the right formula for his team. And they’re going to be one tough out in the playoffs.
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