OKC Thunder public enemy Zaza Pachulia strikes again

As 2017 NBA playoffs narrow to 4 teams in Conference Finals a certain player rears his ugly head reminding OKC Thunder fans of his dirty play.

Although the OKC Thunder failed to advance past the first round it’s not uncommon for the players to keep an eye of the teams still competing.  So, when public enemy number one Zaza Pachulia went after yet another star player Thunder fans were reminded of his dirty, punk move on Russell Westbrook earlier this season.

OKC Thunder can relate:

Reflecting back you’ll recall Zaza raised his elbows into Westbrook’s head and then stood over him. Notably, most of the Thunder players backs were turned and only caught the after effect with Pachulia standing over top him like the punk he is. Oh, and Steven Adams was out injured.

Zaza adds another MVP candidate to hit list:

In game1 of the Western Conference Finals here again was Pachulia with the Spurs lambasting the Warriors. Then Pachulia closed out on Kawhi Leonard.  The problem was the extra two steps he took which re-injured Kawhi Leonard’s sore ankle.

For those saying it was a typical close out- look again the ball has already been released well before Zaza takes his second step. Plus, why would his upper body not be moving ahead with his feet if this was, as some pundits claim, occurring from forward motion.

Moreover the most telling part, is Pachulia never once turns around like any normal player would/does after being stepped on. This isn’t to say Zaza has the ability to put his foot in the precise position, but he sure wasn’t allowing Leonard the space legally afforded shooters to return to the ground.

At the time of the incident (7:55 of the third quarter) San Antonio was putting a beat down on the Warriors. The Spurs were leading 76-55 and Leonard’s stat line registered like a complete game, not 24 minutes worth. He had 26 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and was a plus +21. In other words Leonard had been  on the floor during the time San Antonio accumulated that 21 point lead.

History tells the full story:

It was no surprise Twitter blew up following the incident (this scribe included). After all, there is a history of these events.

https://twitter.com/AthletesTexts/status/863892027796320256

Hey, it’s not like this is news. Right? Pachulia has made a career out of going after star players. Just ask Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett. Just a few who’ve made his hit list (no pun intended).

Entertaining Pops:

The day after the incident Gregg Popovich was in prime form as he compared Pachulia’s dirty play and the intent to manslaughter. Ironically, former Spur and now Warrior teammate David West shied away from answering questions given his run in with him last season while Pachulia was with the Mavericks.

Once more, Twitter blew up with fans who loved Pops rant. Included among those fans was  new Daddy Russell Westbrook, or so NBC Sports reported. As noted in the article, it could be coincidence. But, following the altercation between the two and knowing the Brodie’s then declaration “that’s okay, I’ll see him again”, the odds are this being true are more likely than not.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Tonight, the Spurs face the Warriors again. Initially reports said Leonard would definitely not play, but updates have him listed as doubtful.

Time Association takes steps:

Following what’s been a very tame and boring playoffs it may seem odd to say this scribe’s preference is for a tough nosed game. They’ve been few and far between this postseason other than the Bucks – Raptors, Jazz-Clippers, Grizzlies – Spurs and Wizards – Celtics series. That said, tough nosed means gritty, not dirty.

And ultimately, even if Pachulia (who was not assessed a flagrant) had been tossed from the game the loss to the Warriors would pale in comparison to what Leonard means for the Spurs.

Moving forward, let’s hope the NBA looks at plays falling under this dirty, punky nature with more severe penalties. Losing players like Westbrook or Leonard’s ilk (2 of the top 3 MVP candidates) needs to be taken more seriously and punishments assessed to meet the damage.