In a team laden with skilled players, it says something about Javale McGee that he’s hard to overlook. Although his minutes have been inconsistent this season, the man is a walking cliche of “always ready.”

Last night in the Golden State Warriors win over the Philadelphia 76ers, McGee wasn’t the highest scoring bench player (that was Nick Young with 13 points), or the one with the best highlight (that would be Shaun Livingston’s double behind the back move and assist). But what McGee did - what he almost always does - is change the feel of the game when he comes in.

Over the course of this young season, McGee has already seen two games where he didn’t even come off the bench, one of which coach Steve Kerr flat out said was because they want to give minutes to a young guy who may replace McGee in the long-term. But this is a team that is extremely familiar with the concept of personal sacrifice for the greater good of the team, as he told Connor Letourneau back in September:

“I’m just going to keep running the floor, blocking shots, rebounding and catching spectacular alley-oops,” McGee said. “There are other things that I can do, but they probably won’t be used because we have four All-Stars, and the ‘5’ isn’t the scoring position on this team.”

You sure about that not scoring thing?

In just nine minutes, McGee managed 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal. As usual, the offensive output came mostly on attempts at the rim, but his steal was something else:

Early in the season, and even in the preseason, rookie Jordan Bell has been pressing for McGee’s minutes. Kerr even sat McGee one game to give another big man, Kevon Looney, a chance to play more. And through it all, McGee just stayed ready. On standby to do his thing whenever called upon.

Ivan Bettger

11 points in 9 minutes is special for any player, but lest we forget about the wonder that is Javale McGee, I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize him as last night’s Warrior Wonder.

Other candidates

The Warriors sure aren’t making these selections easy these days! Here are some of the other standout candidates from the game.

Durant: (+24) 29 points 11/18 FGs 3/6 three pointers 4/4 FTs 5 rebounds (1 off.) 4 assists 4 turnovers 2 steals 2 blocks:

Thompson: (+14) 23 points 9/17 FGs 4/6 three pointers 1/1 FT, 1 rebound (1 off.) 2 assists 1 turnoer 1 steal

Curry: (+29) 22 points 5/12 FGs 3/8 three pointers 9/9 FTs, 4 rebounds 9 assists 2 turnovers 1 steal - and one nutmeg:

Young: (+22) 13 points 5/6 FGs 3/4 three pointers, 2 rebounds 2 assists 2 turnovers 3 steals

Looney: (+14) 4 points 2/2 FGs, 2 rebounds 3 blocks

Livingston

Ok fans, make your voices heard! Who you got for Warrior Wonder?