Van Horn likely to start playoffs on the bench

ST. FRANCIS, Wis. -- Keith Van Horn will probably come off the bench in a playoff game for the first time in his career when the Milwaukee Bucks face the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Van Horn has started all 35 playoff games in his three previous postseason appearances, including a trip to the NBA Finals with the Nets two years ago.

But he injured his right hand earlier this month on a dunk at New Jersey. His middle finger was caught in one of the small loops underneath the rim where the net is attached, leaving him with sprained ligaments, bruised bones and a swollen, purple hand.

Although he continues to experience some pain when catching or shooting the ball, the swelling has gone down and he hopes it's not even an issue by Sunday.

"There's been a big improvement the last couple of days," Van Horn said Friday. "I feel pretty good. I feel pretty healthy now."

Yet Van Horn said he doesn't care if he starts or subs.

"At this point, no. It's all about team, it's not about egos, who's scoring, who's not, who's doing what. It's all about winning," he said. "Whatever minutes I play I feel I'm going to be productive, regardless."

Desmond Mason has started the last four games in place of Van Horn, who was acquired from New York in February, and coach Terry Porter said he's inclined to stay with his current rotation.

"As of right now, we're just going to probably stick with what we've got, I think," Porter said.

Porter said Van Horn's hand won't be 100 percent until the summer.

"I'm almost to the point where I'm not even noticing it anymore," Van Horn said. "It will hurt if I catch a hard pass or something, but I'm hoping by Sunday it won't even be a problem."

The Bucks would prefer to start Van Horn because Mason brings more energy and versatility off the bench, subbing either at small forward for Van Horn or for shooting guard Michael Redd.

Van Horn, who averaged 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 23 games for Milwaukee, has been a starter his whole career and said it's still a little weird watching the tip-off from the sideline.

"It's definitely a mental adjustment," he said. "Rather than have your body ready to start right away, just kind of prepare your mind. But once you get in there, you have to play the same way."

Van Horn's health and productivity will be key for the Bucks to have a chance at upsetting the Pistons in the playoffs.

"He does a great job of executing the halfcourt offense. It's going to be a possession game and we need all our weapons," Joe Smith said.

And having Mason provide a spark off the bench would be nice, too.

"I like his energy, his aggressiveness, just the ability to keep the defense on their heels," Smith said. "He's leading our team if free throws, so that just shows how aggressive he is."

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