Zaza Pachulia landed a hard foul on Russell Westbrook in the dying seconds of the first half, sending Westbrook to the floor. This happened when the Warriors faced the Thunder last Wednesday night at Oracle Arena. This resulted in a Flagrant One being called on Pachulia for unnecessary contact. However, the story would not end there.
Westbrook, who was holding his face in pain after the foul, did not see that the 6 foot 11, 275 pound forward standing over him until he saw the replay after the game. "No, I didn't see that until just now, but I don't play that game," Westbrook told reporters in a post-game interview as per ESPN. It is safe to say that Westbrook did not take too kindly to the taunt by Pachulia as he added "I'm gonna get his ass back."
Pachulia, on the other hand, did not think that he committed a foul as he told reporters, "I thought it was a good steal, honestly, because I had the ball in my hands." Though he did not seem too bothered about it either as he added, "Officials called a foul; there's nothing you can do. A foul is a foul."
When asked to comment about the Westbrook's comments on retaliation, Pachulia also did not seem to mind saying "I'm not thinking about these kind of comments...So, you know, OK, you can get me back." Pachulia also admitted that his style of play is hard, but did not think that what he did can be considered a dirty play, saying "We all know what my game is, to play hard. Not dirty, but play hard," as per Larry Brown Sports.
It is doubtful that any additional sanctions are given to Pachulia as a Flagrant Two foul is categorized by the NBA as "unnecessary and EXCESSIVE contact committed by a player against an opponent. It is an unsportsmanlike act and the offender is ejected immediately." Pachulia seemed to go for the ball and not create excessive contact on Westbrook, hence only a Flagrant One was called. However, the actions of both Pachulia and Westbrook will be closely watched by NBA League Officials in their next meeting.
