KJG Top 30: David Lee’s Top 10 Games of 2012-2013
By Chris Philip
Jan 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2), power forward David Lee (10) and shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) celebrate in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Game 44: Golden State Warriors 108, Cleveland Cavaliers 95
Highlights: baseline lay-up, baseline hook, assisted Klay Thompson transition dunk, crosscourt feed for Thompson 3, assisted Jarrett Jack curl lay-up, stripped Shaun Livingston
Game Score: 24.9
Box Score: 20 points (8-12 field goals, 4-4 free throws), 13 rebounds (2 offensive), 8 assists (1 turnover), 2 steals (3 fouls) in 39 minutes (+20)
Story: The Warriors were missing three starters and their first big off the bench–only three Warriors broke double-digits. Lee was extremely physical in this game, mixing it up under the boards and outright ripping a rebound from Tristan Thompson in one instance and drawing an over the back foul in another. His quickness and hopes are most evident in loose ball situations. Lee can handle the ball some–he’s not a point forward, but he can push the ball up the court and he can run plays. With Steph Curry out, Lee held the ball, allowing Jarrett Jack and Klay Thompson to cut or curl into soft spots in the Cavalier defense. Lee isn’t an improviser, but he can make pre-scripted reads and deliver on-target passes, which he did time and again this game.