© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Another storyline was added to the bitter rivalry between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors in their meeting on Saturday night at Oracle Area.
After the Warriors won 112-80 in their first victory against the Thunder this season, Russell Westbrook voiced his discontent with Zaza Pachulia, who fell on top of him late in the third quarter, saying “obviously it was intentional.”
Russell Westbrook on Zaza Pachulia falling on him, and asked if he’s a dirty player: “Yeah. For sure.” pic.twitter.com/w9ZH0AwVP1
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 25, 2018
Zaza falls on Russ.
Westbrook's reaction shows his feelings about it. pic.twitter.com/bn24Bepo4R
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 25, 2018
On Monday, it was reported by Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post that Pachulia will not receive any punishment from the NBA for falling on Westbrook. Although it appears as if there was very little bringing Pachulia to the ground, there’s no way to determine the 34-year-old’s intent behind the incident.
For those hoping/wondering/expecting the NBA to discipline Zaza Pachulia in the wake of Saturday's incident with Russell Westbrook, I can report the NBA will not be taking any action against him. Pachulia and the Warriors play the Knicks at MSG tonight.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 26, 2018
Following the game, several players, specifically Paul George and Kevin Durant, voiced their thoughts on Pachulia’s fall. While George sided with Westbrook, saying “he aimed where he was going to fall. That’s Zaza making a Zaza play”, Durant defended his teammate by saying, “I don’t think Zaza is trying to hurt anybody. He is clumsy.”