Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

10 keys to winning a title

By Carlos Murillo

Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
Golden State Warriors
May 20, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) scores a basket during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Free JaVale

JaVale McGee quickly became a fan favorite in the Bay Area. Normally the butt of most NBA jokes, McGee hadn’t quite find a home. He had flashes in Washington and Denver, but couldn’t ever really put it together.

It turns out that playing with four unselfish All-Stars who like giving you the ball makes everything easier. The big man has been productive for the Warriors. He’s been able to fit in nicely.

McGee wasn’t even guaranteed a spot on the team out of training camp. He had to fight for it and managed to get a spot behind Zaza Pachulia (and Draymond Green) at the center spot. His minutes were inconsistent and he was rough around the edges.

In the MLK Day matchup with the Cavaliers, McGee had four points and three rebounds in just eight minutes. He provided a nice energy and, at least, bothered Tristan Thompson in the paint.

McGee isn’t perfect. He is sometimes late on rotations and chases blocks that he has no chance at getting instead of getting in position to rebound. He picks up silly fouls and he’s limited offensively.

But he is very active. He plays hard and fast, two qualities you need when going up against Thompson or Kevin Love. He also adds an extra element to the Warriors’ offense.

Golden State has great perimeter players. The Cavaliers have done a better job than anyone over the last few seasons defending them. They are physical with Stephen Curry and contest Klay Thompson’s jumpshots.

Cleveland has been able to stretch their defense out successfully because they never really had to worry about an inside threat. McGee gives the Warriors a good rim runner who can finish strong down low. Few players throw better alley-oops than Draymond Green and Javale McGee is an amazing target to throw them to.

McGee needs to get some minutes in the Finals. He can give the Cavaliers’ defense problems by forcing them to honor a threat at the rim, pulling them away from the shooters. Golden State plays with a different sense of urgency with him on the floor, giving them extra energy that they need.

Home/Warriors News