From The Vault: Behind the scenes with the 2001 Charlotte Hornets

Sports Illustrated was granted unprecedented access to the Charlotte Hornets' 2001 playoff run. Here are the photos.

One of the best parts about running the SI Vault Twitter feed is accidentally stumbling across some photo gold. This was the case earlier this week while searching for old Charlotte Hornets photos. It turns out the magazine spent an entire week behind-the-scenes with the 2001 Charlotte Hornets for a cover story about the life of an NBA playoff team. SI photographer Lynn Johnson was given unprecedented access to the team's hotel, locker room, players' homes and everything in between. The results are below.

Hersey Hawkins and son Brandon :: Lynn Johnson/SI

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Team huddle :: Lynn Johnson/SI

Hornets assistant coaches Stephen Silas, Jerry Eaves and Lee Rose with Paul Silas :: Lynn Johnson/SI

Jamal Mashburn and trainer Ed Downs :: Lynn Johnson/SI

David Wesley and mom Ramona :: Lynn Johnson/SI

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Coaches' strategy board for players to review :: Lynn Johnson/SI

Paul Silas and wife Carolyn :: Lynn Johnson/SI

Eddie Robinson with wife Maria and son Jaalen :: Lynn Johnson/SI

David Wesley :: Lynn Johnson/SI

Baron Davis and friends Tremaine Ross & Armando Shorty Ramos :: Lynn Johnson/SI

Scott Burrell :: Lynn Johnson/SI