Best Stretch: February 6 – 10 vs. Minnesota, Milwaukee and Brooklyn
McGruder isn’t a box score stuffer. He may never be. His impact on the course of a game goes far beyond the confines of a box score and maybe the best look at what could be his full potential in years to come came on three cold winter nights in February in the midst of the 13-game winning streak.
Starting in Minnesota, McGruder played 39 minutes en route to 15 points including a season-high three 3-pointers and helped stave off a late run from the very young and very talented Timberwolves team.
Not only did McGruder contribute on the offensive end, including a key basket late and a total of four offensive rebounds, he was assigned to nearly every one of the Wolves’ scoring threats. First it was Andrew Wiggins then Ricky Rubio, Brandon Rush, Tyus Jones and Shabazz Muhammad on his way to his most impressive rookie effort to date.
McGruder hounded Wiggins in particular, battling the tough combo guard in the post and making him take contested, often fadeaway jumpers from areas Wiggins typically finds success.
Two nights later in Milwaukee it was another 35+ minute night and another tough defensive assignment for the rookie. Right from the jump, McGruder was latched onto one of the game’s most unique, versatile scorers: Giannis Antetokoumpo.
Again, Giannis took the rookie into the post much like Wiggins tried to do and the player affectionately known as The Greek Freak started the game with two airballed fadeaway jumpers.
The final night in Brooklyn, another win for the Heat and a 35-minute night for McGruder, saw him truly earn his “scavenger” nickname as the sluggish Heat found their winning streak in jeopardy on their third game in four nights.
McGruder responded every time the Heat needed a push, notching four steals (a season high) and scoring 11 points while tallying the aforementioned four steals, six rebounds and three assists. He was the do-it-all player the Heat needed to pull away from the Nets late in the fourth.
It’s tough to pick just one standout performance from McGruder this season, but these three games were an example of Erik Spoelstra asking the absolute most of his young guard. Play 35+ minutes on a three-game road trip and guard the opposition’s best scoring threats at any given moment. McGruder met the challenge and excelled in the role.