Up until recently, rookie Timofey Mozgov’s claim to fame in the NBA was being known as the infamous Russian guy on the Knicks that was dunked on by Blake Griffin.

Then he exploded against the Detroit Pistons for career highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds in 40 minutes. Mozgov had not cracked double-digits in either points nor rebounds in 26 career games.

What’s even more surprising, before his breakout, Mozgov hadn’t left the bench in 10 straight games.

The opportunity for Mozgov came because the Knicks were depleted from injuries (Wilson Chandler’s sore calf), suspensions (Shawne Williams) and foul trouble (Ronny Turiaf).

From the New York Times: “He played great,” Stoudemire said. “He’s one of those players where he keeps working, and keeps trying to improve as a young player.”

Mozgov showed much more poise than he did in November. After missing his first three attempts Sunday — nervously flinging two shots long — he settled down and found a rhythm. He slammed through two putbacks and dunked a lob from Toney Douglas.

“I just breathed a little bit,” Mozgov said, exhaling loudly for effect, “and tried to play aggressive, that’s it.”

In Russia, the fans used to chant his full name. But he appreciated the enthusiastic chants of his last name.

For the fans, there was happy delirium, and chants of “Moz-gov!” after he scored his final points on a 19-foot jumper.

“I feel really, really excited,” he said. “Thank you, the fans.”

“Twenty-three and 14?” said Knicks Coach Mike D’Antoni, chuckling. “I think I’ll try it again. But we always liked him. That’s why he started the year. We thought he had that potential.”

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