McGee etches name into NBL record books

Wednesday night's performance by Illawarra centre JaVale McGee was one for the record books.

The three-time NBA champion put up a huge stat line of 37 points and 14 rebounds during his side's 107-93 win over Melbourne United.

That feat hasn't happened since Luke Schenscher replicated the feat on February 13, 2009 while playing for the Adelaide 36ers against Wollongong.

Further to that, McGee, who says he went into the match with an 'aggressive mindset', is the first Hawk to reach the mark since Adam Ballinger did so on January 13, 2007 against the West Sydney Razorbacks.

One big who knows all too well about putting up big stat lines is former Australian Boomer Aaron Baynes, who was on Thursday's episode of NBL Now.

"JaVale is definitely the best big right now in terms of what he's been able to do," Baynes said on NBL Now. "He's kind of that top tier [by himself], which everyone else can only offer on certain nights.

"His output, the way he changes shots down there [in the paint] is incredible."

Echoing the Tokyo Olympic Games gold medalist's praise was Hawks coach Justin Tatum.

"JaVale is a tough guard [for anyone in this league]," Tatum said in Wednesday's post-game press conference. "[Jesse] Edwards is a solid defender, so it was key for him to be aggressive [tonight] and open up things for everyone else.

"The more aggressive he is, being able to get shots up and see his teammates, then the better off we are.

"Melbourne did exactly what they [wanted], trying one-on-one and double-teams, but [I knew] as long as he stayed aggressive, it would be good for us."

The Hawks, who are now 3-6, travel to Cairns on Friday to play the Taipans.

The Cairns Convention Centre clash tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.