As expected, things got heated in the star-studded showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. However, things almost took a turn for the worst after Warriors center Zaza Pachulia blatantly fell on Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook's legs near the end of the third quarter.

Needless to say, Pachulia's antics have drawn the ire of NBA fans and players alike. Even Westbrook did not mince words when it came to discussing the dirty play, according to Marc J. Spears, The Undefeated:

“Obviously it was intentional. He fell over my leg. He tried to hurt me,” Thunder guard Russell Westbrook said about Warriors center Zaza Pachulia. Westbrook also acknowledged that he thought Pachulia was a dirty player.

Things were getting testy between the Warriors and Thunder up to that point. However, there was little reason for Pachulia to fall over Westbrook, let alone directly onto his legs. It was clear soon thereafter that the reigning MVP felt the impact of the 6-foot-11, 270-pound center. That said, it will be interesting to see how the league approaches limiting such dangerous plays.
Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum.
Grizzlies rumors: Will Memphis try to trade for Kevin Durant after Desmond Bane deal?Malik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton clowns LeBron James’ ‘old s**t’ shenanigansRexwell Villas ·
Jaren Jackson Jr photoshopped in Pistons jersey
Pistons trade proposal for Jaren Jackson Jr. after Desmond Bane dealBailey Bassett ·
Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (same picture) with Pacers logo right next to him, and Khris Middleton (same picture) in the way back with Nesmith and Pacers logo at the forefront
Exclusive: Aaron Nesmith’s dad reveals Khris Middleton’s impact on son’s Pacers pathJosue Pavon ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the hoop past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
3 biggest fixes Pacers must make after blowing NBA Finals Game 4 vs. ThunderRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks past Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game four of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shares adorable moment with young fansMalik Brown ·
Fortunately, he was able to walk it off and presumed to finish the game amidst their blowout loss to the Warriors. Although Oklahoma City had gotten the better of Golden State throughout the 2017-18 NBA season leading into Saturday, things did not fare well for them this time around.
Meanwhile, Westbrook failed to find his stroke once again after going 4-for-15 from the field. However, he enjoyed a strong overall outing after finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in the blowout loss.