Giant Cav dwarfing over Warriors' bigs
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 11 Jun 2015
CLEVELAND -- Even when sitting down, 7-foot-1 Timofey Mozgov is tall, almost as tall as myself, who is an inglorious 5-foot-nothing.
Extra large guys such as the 250-pound Mozgov are usually slow as a moron's IQ. But this 28-year old Russian is an exception. Mozgov moves faster than Western Union.
LeBron James and Matthew Dellavedova are two of the biggest reasons why the Cavaliers are up 2-1 over the Golden State Warriors in these NBA Finals. But Mozgov is right up there, too, draping his fingerprints all over the Larry O'Brien trophy that is just a mere two games away from Cleveland's to claim.
Through 3 Finals games, Mozgov has piled up 39 points on 13 of 24 shooting. He has grabbed 23 rebounds and is a proven defensive force in the middle, blocking and altering Warriors shots in the paint.
Mozgov has thoroughly outplayed Warriors center Andrew Bogut, who only has 10 points and 23 boards. The 7-foot Bogut hasn't been much of a rim protector thus far and he isn't a meaningful part of the offense either, shooting just 4-of-9 from the field.
In fairness to Bogut, he isn't the only Warriors big that has demonstrably shrunk under the Finals' bright lights.
Draymond Green has notched 29 points, but he clanked 22 of his 30 shots while Harrison Barnes had gone 9 of 27 from the field for 22 points. The Warriors should ask the FBI to help locate Green's and Barnes' shooting accuracy.
Mozgov made himself available to the media after practice early today and he proved to be quite a pleasant interview, answering reporters questions bluntly while injecting some humor along the way.
Asked if he prepares differently during these Finals, he replied "no." He explained that every member of the Cavaliers knows the job they have to do. "At the end of the day, it's just a basketball game." said the blond, blue-eyed Russian.
Asked if he feels whether the 30-year old Bogut is frustrated about how he has been outplayed, Mozgov, a 5-year NBA veteran, quipped: "You ask him (Bogut). I don't read his mind."
I'm know psychic, either, but this much I know: Mozgov is an under-rated under-appreciated giant who is earning every dollar of his $4.5 million paycheck.
With a $12.9 million salary, Bogut makes early thrice as much as Mozgoz. But unlike Timofey, Andrew has yet to prove his weight in gold at these NBA Finals. (HDS)
From my Android phone on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
Sun, 21 Dec 2025Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 21 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025