Klay Thompson has reconsidered the less than complimentary comments he made regarding the Cavs' Timofey Mozgov last night.
Towards the end of the first quarter in Game 3, Mozgov set a hard screen on Thompson as Kyrie Irving attempted to drive through the lane. An offensive foul was called, and Klay was forced to go to the locker room until early in the second.
If you haven't seen the replay endlessly on ESPN and NBA TV, here it is again:
https://vine.co/v/i3wTnlKMLba
It doesn't appear that there was any malicious intent from Mozgov, but Thompson was pretty upset in the heat of the moment. Thompson's statement right after Game 3, transcribed by Arlos Sara of Cavs Nation:
It seemed kind of dirty to me. He stuck his knee out too, but that’s basketball. I’m just confused why he’s trying to set a pick in the middle of the key when we’re both running full speed.
With a day to reflect, Thompson has changed his tone. From ASAP Sports:
As I watched the replay, it might have just been bad luck too. A knee to the thigh never feels good.
Still, Thompson did question Mozgov's screening mechanics:
I don't think he meant to do it maliciously, but usually when someone sets a screen, you usually do it with your chest or something. But I'm not going to hold a grudge. It's basketball.
Thompson appeared to be fine physically for the rest of the game, even though he struggled with just 10 points on 1-for-7 shooting from behind the three-point line.
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