Zaza Pachulia caught the attention of many during the third quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, as it appeared that he intentionally tried to injure Kawhi Leonard.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year attempted a three-pointer from the corner when Pachulia challenged his shot. Instead of giving him space to land his feet, he took a couple of unnecessary extra steps to get under him, causing Leonard to step on his foot and further aggravate his ankle injury.
The Twitter universe did not hold back in letting their thoughts known about his “dirty play,” and made it known that they are certain that he wanted the All-Star forward to get hurt.
There's no convincing me Zaza Pachulia wasn't trying to injure Kawhi Leonard. Dirty play. pic.twitter.com/O2vn3SSfKd
— Dan Molloy (@DanMolloyTV) May 14, 2017
It took Zaza Pachulia, a wannabe Bill Laimbeer, to purposely injure Kawhi Leonard so Golden State could compete with the #Spurs. #Disgrace
— Jamaal The Cashier (@RandomJamaal) May 14, 2017
Draymond telling Durant: "Hey get ZaZa to hurt Kawhi, we're getting killed out here". pic.twitter.com/9o8WXwUiEk
— Dylan (@DylansFreshTake) May 14, 2017
People denying that Zaza's play had no malice in it really need to watch where he looks away then takes an extra step to come under Kawhi.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) May 14, 2017
Zaza is so dirty. That's the same move Dahntay Jones used to injure Kobe a few years ago and Kobe called him out on it. I hate it.
— Zito (@_Zeets) May 14, 2017
The @NBA needs to suspend Zaza Pachulia for that deliberate attempt to injure Kawhi Leonard. Absolutely ridiculous.
— JoshOrta (@JoshOrta) May 14, 2017
Zaza deserves to be thrown out of the league for that
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) May 14, 2017
Warriors: wow we're down 23 to the Spurs how will we ever come back with only 2 MVPs on our team and 2 other All-Stars
Zaza: I got you fam
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) May 14, 2017
Leonard was ruled out for the remainder of the game will have an MRI done to check for any structural damage on his ankle and knee.
The NBA is expected to review the incident, and should the league office deem that Pachulia purposely tried to injure the Spurs star forward, he could face serious repercussions if deemed necessary.
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