McGee Joins Nuggets Notable Home Finale Performances

JaVale McGee had a highlight-reel second half on Sunday during the Denver Nuggets’ home finale. McGee scored 17 points off of seven alley-oops, he also grabbed eight rebounds and blocked three shots as Denver cruised to a 101-74 victory over the undermanned and undersized Orlando Magic. Denver also outscored Orlando 57-30 in the second half. It was the fourth straight home finale in which the Nuggets have won by 20 or more points, it was also the sixth straight home finale victory.

McGee isn’t alone on having a stellar performance in his regular season finale at the Pepsi Center:

2011-Kosta Koufos scored 18 points on 6 of 8 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Denver past the undersized and undermanned Golden State Warriors’ 134-111. The Nuggets outscored the Warriors 80-57 in the second half.

2010- Arron Afflalo was one of four players for the Nuggets that scored more than 20 points as they cruised to a 123-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Afflalo shot 7 of 13 from the field and scored 26 points and grabbed a career-best 13 boards.

2009- In what may be the most impressive home finale, JR Smith couldn’t miss as he hit a franchise-high best 11 3-pointers to score 45 points and helped Denver cruise to a 118-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

2007- Linas Kleiza came off the bench to get his first career double-double in what was a meaningless game. Kleiza scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Thirteen of his 23 points came in the second half as Denver beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-107.

With Sunday’s win the Nuggets now have a half-game lead on the Dallas Mavericks and are in sole position of the 6th seed. Obviously, if Dallas loses on Thursday to Atlanta the Nuggets will seal the sixth spot. However, if the Mavericks win Denver would need to win its final two games (at Oklahoma City on Wednesday and at Minnesota on Thursday) to overtake the 6th seed. If the Nuggets take the 6th seed they will likely face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. If the Nuggets fall back to the 7th seed they will face either the Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs.