When I think about the NBA's most electrifying moments, the roaring support from the bench often steals the show. There's something about watching the so-called "second unit" light up the court. Take the Toronto Raptors' 2019 squad for example. Their bench guys clocked in an average of 37.3 points per game—a stat that significantly contributed to their historic championship run. VanVleet, Powell, and Ibaka brought exceptional energy and dominated in crunch time. Those kinds of numbers speak volumes about depth and grit.
One can’t overlook the contributions from Golden State Warriors' bench in recent years. Kerr’s tactical genius shines through by optimizing players like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala. In the 2017-18 season, their plus-minus rating of +10 when on court shifted games dramatically. How efficient were they? With an average of just 18 minutes per game, their bench scored 36.2 points—a figure not many second units can brag about.
Think about the Utah Jazz’s bench in the 2020-21 season. Clarkson and Ingles combined for 31.7 points per game, turning crucial moments into opportunities for decisive leads. Imagine turning to your bench and seeing a well-oiled machine rather than mere role players. Even the analytics backed them up. Effective field goal percentages over 60% for both players reflect how impactful they are. The eye-test and numbers genuinely sync here.
Another squad that comes to mind? The Los Angeles Clippers. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell in the 2018-19 season were magnificent. Williams averaged 20 points off the bench while Harrell chipped in with 16.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. To put it in perspective, they scored so efficiently that they would be worthy starters on any other NBA team. Both players turned bench play into an art form, punctuated by clutch performances and a Sixth Man of the Year award for Lou.
We also saw an interesting case with the Brooklyn Nets before their big trades. Atkinson’s system utilized players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert strategically, resulting in a productive bench that managed over 40 points in several crucial games. When you consider the overall efficiency, Dinwiddie’s 20.6 PER and LeVert’s late-game heroics made them indispensable. It's not just about scoring—it's about the ability to change the pace and momentum of the game.
Looking historically, the San Antonio Spurs' bench during their 2013-14 championship season stands out vividly. Popovich’s rotation mastery allowed players like Manu Ginobili and Boris Diaw to deliver pristine performances. Averaging over 40 points per game, their bench didn’t just fill time—they dominated it. Ginobili’s sharp basketball IQ and unconventional style made the Spurs bench a nightmare match-up for any team.
In the 2022-23 season, Sacremento Kings' bench performed admirably as well. With players like Davion Mitchell and Malik Monk coming off the bench, there was a noticeable jump in energy and tempo. Remarkable isn’t it? Mitchell’s defensive prowess and Monk’s sharpshooting made sure they consistently clocked 30+ points from bench contributions. Not many expected them to show up as strong, but the numbers proved critics wrong.
If you think about the importance of these backups, it’s not just raw talent—it’s strategic deployment. Coaches who understand how to maximize their second units often have a distinct edge. Take the Miami Heat, who consistently rank high in bench efficiency. In the 2019-20 season, their bench put up commendable numbers with around 42 points per game supporting their deep playoff run. The tactical rotations by Spoelstra were nothing short of brilliant.
From personal experience, watching these “bench mobs” in action feels akin to witnessing the heart and soul of a team. The starters set the stage, but the bench often seals the deal. Whether it's through defensive intensity or relentless scoring, these players have shown time and again that they are more than just backups—they are the X-factors. If you ever get a chance to watch these players live, especially through platforms like arena plus, the excitement is palpable.