Former Nevada Wolf Pack center JaVale McGee scored 13 points in just 18 minutes Saturday night to help the Denver Nuggets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-103 at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena.
The 7-foot center turned in a very efficient performance, making 6-of-7 shots from the field with four rebounds and four blocks. His 3-point play gave Denver a 70-61 lead with 6:04 to go in the third quarter, his dunk made it 95-82 with 8:21 to play in the fourth quarter and his lay-up gave Denver a 93-79 lead with 9:02 to go.
The 25-year-old McGee is on his way to becoming one of the better centers in the NBA. In 48 games off the bench this season for Denver, the ex-Pack center has averaged 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in just 18.6 minutes a game playing behind Kosta Koufos.
McGee has had a number of outstanding games this year for the Nuggets. He had 20 points on 9-of-9 shooting against Indiana on Dec. 7, had six blocks against Memphis on Dec. 29 and pulled down 12 rebounds in just 21 minutes against Golden State on Nov. 10.
McGee, who played just two seasons (2006-08) at Nevada, is now in his fifth season in the NBA. He was a first-round pick by the Washington Wizards in 2008 and was dealt to the Nuggets last season. For his career he is averaging 8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 323 games.
The Nuggets are 12-2 in the last 14 games McGee has played. Over his last five games, McGee has been brilliant in a reserve role, making 25-of-35 shots (.714) with 19 rebounds, 16 blocks and 57 points in just 82 total minutes.
