Tag: Russell Wesbrook

Former Warrior JaVale McGee receives start for Lakers in Game 3 vs. Rockets

After leaving with an injury in game two, former Warrior JaVale McGee was able to return to the Lakers starting five against the Rockets.

As the Golden State Warriors progress through their extended offseason, teams are beginning to punch their ticket to the Conference Finals in the NBA Postseason. With no hoops on the slate in the Bay Area, Warriors Wire is highlighting former Dubs in the Orlando Bubble edition of the playoffs.

In their second-round series against the Houston Rockets, Golden State’s former center JaVale McGee has been lacing up alongside LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers.

After eight minutes in game three, McGee exited the contest in the third quarter due to left ankle pain. Despite his injury, the former Warrior big man was able to join James and Anthony Davis in the starting lineup for game four.

The Nevada Wolfpack product went scoreless in seven minutes against the Rockets. McGee didn’t register a rebound, block, assist or steal. However, McGee capped off his game three performances with a +1 on the night.

James led the Lakers in scoring with 36 points on 13-of-23 shooting from the field. The former Most Valuable Player added seven rebounds, five assists, four blocks and one steal. Davis backed his All-Star teammate with a steady double-double effort. The Kentucky product notched 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field with 15 rebounds, six assists and a block.

Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo added 21 points, nine assists, two rebounds and a steal in 21 minutes off the bench.

Behind contributions from James, Davis and Rondo, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to move past the Rockets, 112-102.

Watch highlights from the Lakers game three performance via YouTube:

Heading into game four, After their win on Tuesday, the Lakers hold a 2-1 series lead. McGee and the rest of the Lakers will tipoff against the Rockets at 4 P.M. PT on Thursday.

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Playoff Rewind: Splash Brothers eliminate Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in 2016 Game 7

Although Klay Thompson’s performance in game six of the 2016 Western Conference Finals lives in playoff lore, the Warriors still had to handle business in game seven before celebrating.

When May has shown up on the calendar in the past, the Golden State Warriors have been busy prepping for an NBA Finals run. However, in 2020 the Warriors are in a different situation. A league-worst 15-50 record has already sealed Golden State’s playoff hopes with 17 games remaining on the slate. Instead of the playoffs, the Warriors have turned their attention to the NBA draft.

With no playoff hoops, Warriors Wire is looking back into Golden State’s postseason history to highlight standout performances and games worthy of a rewatch. For the latest edition of Warriors Playoff Rewind, we’re looking back to 2016.

As famed as Klay Thompson’s epic performance was in game six against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Warriors still had to handle business at Oracle Arena in game seven of the 2016 Western Conference Finals. Before advancing to their second straight NBA Finals, the Warriors had to finish their series comeback against Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in a winner-take-all game in the Bay Area.

May 30, 2016

Just like the start of the series, Oklahoma City jumped out to an early lead. Yet, all the Warriors needed was the third quarter. The Thunder came out of halftime with a six-point lead and ended the third period down 11.

Behind a trio of triples from Stephen Curry, the Warriors outscored Oklahoma City 29-12. The Warriors coasted to victory in the final quarter to advance to the NBA Finals.

Curry finished with a game-high 36 points on 13-of-24 shooting from the field with seven 3-pointers. The two-time MVP added eight assists and five rebounds. Thompson dropped 21 points with six makes from beyond the arc of his own.

Golden State’s defense shined in game seven, holding the Thunder’s offense to only 88 points. Oklahoma City’s All-Star duo of Durant and Westbrook combined for 46 points.

Watch highlights from Golden State’s game seven victory on YouTube:

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