May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) dunks as Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) looks on during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
By: Yama Hazheer
Much like Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli has gone through his fair share of injuries. Unlike those two, Ezeli didn’t come into the league with high expectations. Curry was coming off a surprising but successful career at Davidson, where he helped the Wildcats get on the national radar with their Elite 8 appearance in 2008. Bogut was the number one pick in the draft and was drawing comparisons to other great centers.
-== 5 Reasons Why the Warriors Will Beat the Cavaliers ==-
Curry battled ankle injuries but was able to get past them and ultimately become the MVP. Bogut hasn’t lived up to the number one pick hype, but he has solidified himself as the anchor of the best defensive team in the NBA.
Ezeli was drafted late in 2012. Harrison Barnes was the prize lottery pick out of North Carolina and Draymond Green was also selected during in that particular draft. Ezeli had question marks surrounding him, but that never stopped him from constantly working to be a better player.
After dealing with multiple injuries and several setbacks, Ezeli is playing the best basketball of his young career. He understands that there were rumors of the Warriors looking for a back-up center to play behind Andrew Bogut. He tried to avoid it and Steve Kerr made sure Ezeli didn’t let anything hurt him mentally.
May 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The rumors served as motivation. However, Ezeli’s comeback didn’t get off to the right start this year. The Warriors took advantage of their team chemistry and helped the 25-year old improve as the season went on.
“As time has progressed, I’ve felt more and more comfortable and my teammates have done a great job of helping me out,” Ezeli said.
Ezeli missed tons of games when he was injured, which resulted in his rhythm being thrown off. It’s no secret that practice differs greatly from an actual game. He claims the hardest part of coming back from injury is trying to figure out the different sets of plays the team is running.
It took a few months, but the talented young big finally found his groove.
During the regular season in April, he averaged 7 points on 62% shooting, 4 rebounds, and a block per game in 12.3 minutes.
Ezeli had an impressive series against the Houston Rockets and their talented front-court. He averaged 6.8 points on 60% shooting, 6 rebounds, and played superb defense against the opposing big men.
Throughout this postseason, Ezeli is holding his opposition to -6.3 percent shooting from less than 6 feet, -7.2 percent shooting from less than 10 feet, and a -2.6 differential overall.
A new obstacle is in the way, as Timofey Movgov and Tristan Thompson have been essential pieces to the success of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Mozgov was acquired in January and has ties to David Blatt, who has been able to utilize him more productively. The Cavaliers were in desperate need for interior defense when the season started and Anderson Varejao going down with injury certainly hurt their cause.
May 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Thompson has also stepped up and is quickly being known as a force not only on the glass, but also as one of the most energetic players in the league. He is playing more minutes, but to great success. A majority of his numbers are higher in the playoffs than it was in the regular season. Ezeli understands going up against Thompson will be a challenge for Golden State.
“He’s the biggest threat on the offensive glass, we have to do a good job,” Ezeli said. “He brings a lot of energy for their team so that’s something we’re going to have to match.”
LeBron James typically makes everyone around him better. He’s on a quest for another ring to add to his collection. Thompson and Mozgov will do anything possible to make it happen for The King.
Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green will handle their own, but foul trouble is always going to be a concern. Cleveland doesn’t offer much depth in their frontcourt. Mozgov and Thompson will be used for most of the game. Ezeli will be matched up against them just like he was with Omer Asik, Marc Gasol, and Dwight Howard in previous rounds.
“We’re going to have our work cut out for us but I think we’re up for the task,” Ezeli said.
Like some other players in these NBA Finals, Ezeli has been through one hell of a journey. This can be his toughest adversity yet, but the ultimate prize of an NBA Championship will be worth it for Swagzeli.
I’m a Warriors fan, but also a basketball fan. I’m optimistic our guys can prevail, but anyone who underestimates the formidable nature of the Cavaliers – provided that James and Irving are healthy – is basing their opinion on what they WERE and not what they’ve become. The addition of Mozgov, Shumpert and J.R. Richards – as erratic as the latter two can be – and the emergence of Thompson have changed the Cavaliers dramatically in the last two months. Lebron James – not Kobe Bryant – is the only player who should be compared with Michael Jordan. He’s a better outside shooter than Jordan was, every bit as quick, twice as strong and a better passer and rebounder. This is the ultimate test, as it should be: the finale of a remarkable season. The Warriors cannot throw the ball away and make silly fouls: they’ll have to be near perfect to beat a healthy Cavaliers team. I’m hoping it is so.