KJG Top 30: David Lee’s Top 10 Games of 2012-2013
By Chris Philip
May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) celebrates at the end of the game against the Denver Nuggets, winning game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 92-88 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Game 15: Denver Nuggets 105, Golden State Warriors 106
Highlights: righty hook, seal and spin lay-up, transition lay-up, assisted Steph Curry 3, go-ahead and-1
Game Score: 29.9
Box Score: 31 points (13-15 field goals, 5-7 free throws), 9 rebounds (4 offensive), 6 assists (4 turnovers), 1 steal, 1 block (3 fouls) in 35 minutes (-6)
Story: Lee couldn’t miss in a game that went to the wire. Surprisingly, he played fewer minutes than his average for a game so close, although the margin fluctuated for the first 3.5 quarters. Lee had more offensive (5) than defensive (4) rebounds, allowing the Warriors to out-attempt the Nuggets from the field 86 to 84. Lee also had a go-ahead lay-up late, though he missed the ensuing free throw. Oddly, despite his scoring barrage–this was his season high–the Warriors were outscored while he was on the floor.
Lee was the Warriors’ lone All-Star, and he deserved his spot. Whether or not he deserved it more than Steph Curry is another matter (for the record, KJG ranked Curry 20 spots higher). However, Lee did play his best ball before the All-Star break, while Curry didn’t heat up till after. For all of his flaws–and he has more than one–Lee is undisputably a versatile, skilled big who co-lead the Warriors to their first playoff berth in six seasons. As flammable as they were smallballing through the first two rounds, the Warriors don’t even get there without Lee’s steady production.