Why the Charlotte Bobcats have become relevant

Nov 16, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats head coach Steve Clifford yells out directions during the first half against the Miami Heat at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Dec. 9 and the Bobcats sit 1½ games behind the third seed in the East. Yes, you read that right. In a weak Eastern Conference anything is possible. Hey at this point I would not be shocked if the Bobcats won a playoff series! New head coach Steve Clifford deserves some Coach of the Year votes. He has helped change the culture of what was a downward spiraling Bobcats franchise. Why have the Bobcats all of a sudden worked their way back up to respectability? Here are three reasons why: