Golden State Warriors: Listing David Lee’s Best Games Of 2012-13

November 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Mirza Teletovic (33) during the fourth quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nets 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Large contracts usually mean you are expected to perform like an All-Star.  This season, David Lee finally broke through the expectations to have one of his best seasons of his career.

Lee lead league in 20-point-10-rebound games, as well as overall double-doubles.  The All-Star selection was his second while also being the Warriors first since Latrell Sprewell in 1997.  There were a lot of games to choose from where Lee carried his squad to victory.

Here are some of the best performances of the seasons.

at Brooklyn, Dec. 7, 2012

In the midst of one of the defining road trips of the season, Lee had a dominant performance against on the of league’s most hyped teams. Lee finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds (seven offensive) to lead the Warriors to a 109-102 victory over the Nets.  Although he only finished with two assists, it was obvious that the Warriors had an advantage at his position all night.  Overall, Lee’s plus-15 rating was highest of all the starters and his energy was evident from the opening tap.

January 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31, left) commits a flagrant foul on Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32, center) as Warriors power forward David Lee (10) defends during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 115-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

vs. LA Clippers, Jan. 2, 2013

This game is remembered more for Blake Griffin’s epic fail on the corner three-pointer (who gets tired of watching this, no one ever said).  But Lee but together one of his most complete games of the season. He scored 24 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and had seven assists, while helping the Warriors beat the Clippers for the second time in the season.  It was obvious the that Warriors were out to show they were for real and took it to the Clippers early on, building a double digit lead.  Lee outplayed Griffin the entire game, as reflected in the plus-24 for Lee and the minus-21 for Griffin.

vs. Charlotte, Dec. 21, 2012

Lee had his second triple-double in a Warriors uniform in a 115-110 victory over the Bobcats.  For Lee, the all around game is what he is praised for having and it was on full display.  He finished with 23 points, 11 boards and a career-high 11 assists, including a sweet pass to Festus Ezeli for the lay in.

vs. Lakers, March 25, 2013

The Warriors were having a rough couple of weeks following the All-Star game when they had a six game losing streak and seemed to forget how to play defense altogether.  So, a matchup with the Lakers down the stretch to close the season had a lot of importance in determining playoff seeding and a first round opponent.

Lee had a double-double, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, leading the Dubs past the Lakers.  He outplayed Pau Gasol throughout the game and even showed he like some physical play, as he barreled into Dwight Howard going to the basket to gain two free throws. The play set the tone for the Dubs, and showed they were not intimidated by their supposed SoCal elders. It sent a message that things are not like they used be.

vs. Nuggets, Nov. 29, 2012

This gave us a preview of the first round matchup of the playoff, sort of.  Lee obvious got injured during the first game of the series, but if he had played, this may had been the eventual result of many games.  He played the most efficient game of the season, going 13-of- 15 from the field for 31 points, grabbing nine boards and dishing out six assists.  The game will be remembered for Andre Iguodala’s last second non-buzzer beater, but Lee dominated this game, getting whatever he wanted against Kenneth Faried, JaVale McGee and Danilo Gallinari