| Updates : 18/04/03 : > Hornets To Face Hawks, 1st Round |
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The Hornets never looked like not qualifying for the play-offs, a good start and one of the best home records in the league, the Hornets home court advantage could be crucial. Led by Jamal Mashburn (21.9PPG) and Baron Davis (14.7PPG and 8.4APG) the Hornets, some feel, are reliant on those two. However what people tend to forget is that PJ Brown is averaging an impressive double double per game and Jamaal Magloire 18.6PPG. The Hornets will however be slightly disappointed that David Wesley has not produced more, but they do have more depth than casual fans may think. 'Tractor' Traylor and Eddie Robinson are two of the better bench players in the league and if the Hornets can keep their home form going, they should get past the first round in the battle of the Point Guard (Davis vs. Payton)
MVP Gary Payton is on his fourth team since this time last year, when he represented the SuperSonics in the play-offs. Since then an off season move to the Bucks was followed by a short stint at the Timberwolves. Now settled down at the Hawks, the Glove averages 24.3PPG and an amazing 9.1APG, it is easy to see why he won MVP. Glenn Robinson is also in the league's top ten scorers with 24.9PPG and Theo Ratliff made the All NBA Defensive 1st team. Nazr Mohammed has done a great job out of position at PF as has DerMarr Johnson at SG. If those two can continue to do well and Payton can continue this terrific form, then the Hawks could be in the play-offs for much more than one round. They do however suffer from a weak bench, which could become especially costly now it is play-off time.
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