Feed The Beast

Last night was magical. The Wizards not only won but won in convincing fashion. The Wizards not only played smart energetic defense but they did it for four quarters. Pistons head coach, Lawrence Frank said it best "JaVale was the MVP of this game".

Leading the way with 22 pts, 11 rebs, and two blocks McGee had one of his most dominant games of the season. In addition to the two blocks, there were the countless altered shots and the 8 dunks.

But the most exciting part of last night was watching John Wall and JaVale McGee alley-oop the Pistons off of their home court. Are we getting a glimpse of what could be the making of Lob City Mid-Atlantic, or how about Lob Chocolate City?

Although he still has mental lapses from time to time, JaVale has been one of the lone bright spots this season. We’ve all seen the play and everybody had a good laugh about it but what everybody fails to point out is the hustle and effort he gives to get back on defense.

On a team where hustle and getting back on defense are foreign concepts, he gives 100% every night.

With the Wizards lacking offensive firepower outside of Nick Young and Jordan Crawford (that was painful to write), the Wizards have the opportunity to develop McGee as the big man of the future. I’ve noticed far too often McGee does the dirty work and positions himself in the post only for Nick or Jordan to take an ill-advised jump shot.

In the NBA, you have to reward your big men when they work hard. When they get a block, get back on defense, and establish position in the post, reward the big fella. I miss Mark Jackson.

McGee has made considerable strides in his low post game. His “hook shot” is a little hard on the eyes and he hits it on occasion, but it’s still a work in progress. JaVale seems as if he is still growing into his body, even though last night he played like a grown ass man.

He scowls a lot, and can be described as aloof and even surly but that’s fine by me. I don’t want my big man to be a happy go lucky guy, that’s what Andray Blatche is for. So when McGee is banging in the post and calling for the ball, feed the beast. Maybe, WE can get more nights like this one.