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Top five teams with the best bench in the NBA

By FanSided Staff

Feb 7, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of basketball sitting on the court during the 2nd half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of basketball sitting on the court during the 2nd half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Who are the top five teams in the NBA season who have the best bench?

On a hot Friday in San Antonio last season during game one of the NBA finals, LeBron James limped to the bench after a severe leg cramp crippled the two-time champion. LeBron played 33 minutes in the game needing a break early in the fourth quarter. The Spurs ended up pulling away after the Heat’s star forward sat out, cruising to a 15 point victory.

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The temperature definitely played a huge impact on the game. Both teams felt the pains of the faulty air conditioner that led to LeBron’s leg cramp and eventual departure from the floor. But perhaps the Spurs were more readily equipped to deal with such conditions. Their team first style of play and deep bench provided the proper recipe to come out on top in game one and eventually become NBA champions.

It is games like this that prove how important having a deep bench is in the NBA. LeBron exiting the game early in the fourth quarter was due to his increased minutes. Good coaches always have their best players on the court when it matters. But great coaches have their best players on the court fresh and ready to go down the stretch. Part of being able to do this is having a bench that you can trust to give you valuable minutes so your starters can get some time to rest.

As we get closer to the playoffs this year, certain teams have solidified themselves as having a strong bench to back up their star players. We saw it in the 2014 playoffs make a huge impact for the Miami Heat, so this year it will be key to any title contender to manufacture valuable playing time out of their bench squad. So here are the top five teams with the best benches in the NBA.

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