MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Forgotten among the post-game hoopla in the Nuggets’ loss to the Grizzlies was the fact that center JaVale McGee returned to the court, playing in a game for the first time since Dec. 5.
Nuggets center JaVale McGee played on Thursday for the first time since early-December. (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post)
And all things considered, his return had to be viewed a successful one.
First, the numbers. McGee played 15 minutes in the game and had two points, five rebounds and a block. But more importantly to him was starting the journey of contributing and playing the way he ultimately wants to — with bounce and athleticism.
“I felt good,” McGee said. “I felt real good. My wind was better than expected. But I’m sure I’m going to feel it once I get to Denver in that altitude.”
The blowout nature of the game was a help to him because it kept him on the court. His 15 minutes marked just the fourth time in the 15 games he’s played that he’s logged at least that many minutes. He reported no issues with strain in the area around his surgically-repaired left tibia.
“Nah, it was good,” McGee said. “It was fine.”
His conditioning test at altitude comes on Saturday night against Charlotte. But no matter how that goes, it’s still a process for him to work on getting his full conditioning back in order.
“Definitely just trying to get into tip-top shape,” he said.
Follow Chris Dempsey on Twitter @dempseypost or email him at cdempsey@denverpost.com
