Zaza Pachulia did not play a single second in either of the Warriors' first two playoff games vs the Spurs.
JaVale McGee got the starting nod, and recorded 15 points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal in Game 1.
In Game 2, he notched 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
[PODCAST: If JaVale is out, who starts at center?]
Shaun Livingston wrote a diary for The Athletic on Thursday morning (be sure to read the whole entry), and praised both of the Warriors big men:
"What really makes us special is what we saw from Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee. Z didn't play a second in the first two games, but he showed all you need to know about him. He has championship pedigree - which means you do what's in the best interest of the team.
Coach pushes those buttons and he makes those decisions. If it were me, I wouldn't want a DNP. I'm sure Z didn't want one either. But instead of being, like, "This is bulls**t," he made the sacrifice and was supportive of his team. That's championship pedigree.
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You're playing for something bigger than yourself. I commend Z for taking that backseat and still staying ready, because you never know what can happen.
And the guy who took his place in the starting lineup, JaVale, is a prime example of what it means to stay ready. No matter what, whether he's playing or not playing, he is the first one off the bench during timeouts, greeting and encouraging his teammates.
Him being able to get his shot now, to see him getting his shine, that's the story.
When Livingston says "you never know what can happen," it's the truth.
McGee is listed as questionable for tonight's Game 3 because of a left thigh contusion.
If he is unable to play, it's quite possible that Pachulia gets the start...
Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller
