‘They can’t guard us’: McGee credits Hickey for Hawks' rise

JaVale McGee says his focus is on being consistently aggressive, after a dominant display against Melbourne United.

He believes playing alongside Davo Hickey has the potential to make the pair unguardable, after he and the Illawarra Hawks made a statement in Wednesday’s Ignite Cup win.

Whether it was in college at Nevada, across 983 NBA games where he won three championships, or even during a recent stint in Puerto Rico, McGee has never produced a performance like Wednesday night’s 107 to 93 victory over league-leading Melbourne United.

He finished with a career-high 37 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 13 of 21 from the field and an impressive 10 of 11 from the free throw line.

For the 37-year-old Olympic gold medallist, it all came down to mindset.

“I was just trying to be aggressive and that’s one thing I struggle with, staying consistent on the aggressive end,” McGee said.

“Sometimes I get a little too unselfish where I’m by the rim and try to pass it, but my teammates were really pushing the pace today and I think that’s what really helped this game.

“I was down the floor, they were pushing the pace, throwing it ahead, and it was a big team effort.”

McGee is also thriving with last season's championship hero, Davo Hickey, now running the point since returning last week from an eye injury.

Backing up his near triple-double in Adelaide on Sunday, Hickey was again outstanding with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists against United.

“I think that was our missing piece and he (Hickey) didn’t play the first six games, and every game he’s played we’ve had a different energy,” McGee said.

“We’ve had a different pace and respect for that position, and I just feel like they can’t guard me and him, especially on our screen and rolls.

“If you guys are worried about me on the roll, then he’ll have a nice little wide open layup, and he’s able to pass and throw the lob, so it’s kind of a dangerous duo, especially with our shooters around us.”

When asked after the game how he’s feeling playing in an up-tempo Hawks team at this stage of his career, McGee was quick to respond.

“Why would you ask me that? Do I not excel in the full court? That’s your imagination, that’s not my imagination and you’ve got to stop imagining what I do,” McGee said.

“I’m fine in the full court, the half court, and my age means nothing to me. Coach (Justin Tatum) is doing a great job of knowing that we have four games in eight days or whatever it is, and he’s definitely focused on making sure I keep my legs and stay well rested for these games.

“He’s making sure the timing of my minutes is spaced out properly, so I like the way he’s subbing and everything, which is really helping with my performance.”