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In the NBA, star players are (typically) crucial to a team's success. When a team has players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, or duos such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, and the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, teams succeed. But with every star player or duo, there should be a strong bench backing them up.
Some teams have a deep bench that allows them to play multiple bench players that can contribute in some fashion. Or, it may even be a single player (who is typically the sixth man of a team). If a player is a lethal shooter, he can come into the game and knock down shots, and in turn, give his team a spark off the bench. Players can also be rim protectors or defenders and take the load off starters by guarding some of the other team's best players. Regardless of their skill, a player can come off the bench and succeed in that role.
While coming off the bench, some players manage to build an impressive plus-minus total, which means that when that player is on the court, they are valuable to their respective team. Plus-minus more or less measures how valuable that player is to their team.
Here are the five bench players with the highest plus-minus totals of the season.
Note: All stats are accurate as of 27 February 2020
#5 Montrezl Harrell, Plus-Minus Total: +222
The Clippers are looking to be one of the top teams of the West, as they are third in the conference with a record of 39-19. The play of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George may play a big part in their success, but one of the Clippers' biggest strengths is their bench. When their bench plays well, the Clippers are even more dangerous. And it all starts with two players.
The Clippers have players such as Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell coming off their bench; the Clippers have weapons that can put up big numbers. Williams averages 19.1 points this season and Harrell isn't too far behind with 18.6 points. Harrell also averages 7.0 rebounds per game, as well as 1.1 blocks per game. Both players were Sixth Man of the Year candidates last season, and while Williams won the award, Harrell showed that he can be a valuable asset off the bench.
This season, Harrell has a plus-minus total of +222. He has a better plus-minus than his partner in Williams (who happens to be sixth in plus-minus total with 200) and has fought his way into the top five, which includes a few other crucial bench players around the league.
Harrell's play makes the Clippers even better, and as a team fighting to reach elite (in other words championship) status, the Clippers will need all they can get from Harrell.
#4 George Hill, Plus-Minus Total: +248
The Milwaukee Bucks are the best team in the league (record-wise), and with players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, the Bucks have what it takes to go deep in the playoffs. If the Bucks can get solid contributions from their bench, their chances are even better.
One of the Bucks bench players is veteran point guard George Hill. Hill is in his second season with the Bucks and on different occasions, provided a spark for them. He has not started in a single game for the Bucks in his two seasons and this season is averaging 9.6 points while shooting 49 percent from deep. He also has a plus-minus total of +248.
George Hill is the epitome of a veteran, and the Bucks will need his contributions come playoff time.
#3 Terence Davis, Plus-Minus Total: +249
The Toronto Raptors are one of the top teams in the East, even after losing their star in Kawhi Leonard. Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and the other starters have gone through the season and have helped the Raptors remain near the top of the East. But the Raptors also still have an effective bench helping them win games. The Raptors were known for their bench in situations such as last season when the "bench mob" gave the Raptors an extra spark when needed. This season is a bit different, but the Raptors have a player such as undrafted rookie Terence Davis contributing off the bench.
In his rookie season, Davis averages 8.2 points, while shooting nearly 42 percent from 3-point range. He also has the third-best plus-minus total for bench players with +249.
The young rookie still has room to grow, but in the meantime, he continues to have solid games off the bench.
#2 Alex Caruso, Plus-Minus Total: +251
Alex Caruso has managed to become a fan favorite in LA. Despite being undrafted, Caruso is one of the Lakers' better bench players and seems to play hard anytime he is out on the floor. Caruso averages 5.5 points in 54 games, not starting in a single one. He has also managed to gain a plus-minus total of +251.
Given his astounding defensive rating of 99.5, it's really his intensity while guarding the ball where Caruso really shines. The Lakers sit on top of the Western Conference, and despite only averaging 18 minutes, Caruso is making his presence felt.
#1 Dennis Schroder, Plus-Minus Total: +265
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the surprises this season, as they are playing rather well, and are on their way to being a playoff team. The Thunder are 37-22 and find themselves fifth in the Western Conference. For a team that lost two star players this summer, that is extremely impressive.
The Thunder owe it to guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is a young player with star potential meshing with a veteran like Chris Paul. But the Thunder starters are not the only ones responsible for the team's success. One of their bench players is playing well and averages 19.1 points this season. That player is Dennis Schroder.
Schroder has been crucial for the Thunder and is one of the top bench scorers in the league. And his plus-minus total shows how well he's doing. With a plus-minus total of 265, Schroder tops this list and is a serious contender for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Guess the Lakers players!
