Did Zaza Pachulia Intentionally Try To Hurt Kawhi Leonard?

On Sunday afternoon, the San Antonio Spurs miraculously had a 20-point lead at halftime of Game 1 of their Western Conference finals showdown with the Golden State Warriors.

Unfortunately for Spurs fans, players and coaches alike, Kawhi Leonard re-aggravated a sprained ankle injury he suffered last series against the Houston Rockets on two occasions during the game.

The first time, Leonard was able to continue playing. But midway through the third quarter, Warriors center Zaza Pachulia knocked Leonard to the ground and out of the game after he took a baseline jump shot in what many are calling a dirty play.

Oubre got suspended for 1 game for pushing someone who flopped no doubt Zaza should be suspended 2 games for this. pic.twitter.com/C8CgNp3Xai

— Zac (@DCzWall) May 14, 2017

Pachulia denied any cruel intentions when speaking to reporters after the game.

Zaza Pachulia says of those who though the slid under Kawhi Leonard on purpose: “That’s really stupid.” pic.twitter.com/dKugk02Gkg

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 14, 2017

Leonard told reporters he believes Pachulia.

Kawhi Leonard is expected to undergo an MRI. https://t.co/qNu3SO2HUS

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 15, 2017

“Did he step under it? Like on purpose?” the San Antonio Spurs forward asked postgame. “No. He was contesting the shot. The shot clock was coming down. I’ll have to see the play.”

Naturally, the Internet erupted with opinions of its own.

Yeah… I don’t care if Zaza “watches the ball” here… He obviously slides his leg an extra step so that Kawhi lands on him. Dirty Play pic.twitter.com/4X7BTSnf0Y

— Mike Korzemba (@mikekorz) May 14, 2017

Is this what was going through Zaza Pachulia’s head when Kawhi Leonard got injured? 😂🤔#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/HMqIkhKGCC

— Athlete Texts (@AthletesTexts) May 14, 2017

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

KD on fans alleging that Zaza Pachulia intentionally slid under Kawhi. “You can’t listen to people on Twitter. They’re irrational.”

— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 14, 2017

Oubre got suspended for 1 game for pushing someone who flopped no doubt Zaza should be suspended 2 games for this. pic.twitter.com/C8CgNp3Xai

— Zac (@DCzWall) May 14, 2017

@SportsCenter “Go tell Zaza to break Kawhis ankle or we’re going home just like Westbrook and Harden.” pic.twitter.com/q7H7MamB7F

— Stephen (@_StephenC24) May 14, 2017

Zaza PaCHEATER

— Maddy Skye (@MaddySkye) May 14, 2017

This is not the first time Zaza Pachulia tried to harm Kawhi Lenoard. Take a look at this clip. #Realchampionsplayrealbasketball pic.twitter.com/rVBWLkmtUy

— Alex (@Alxnoir) May 14, 2017

The Spurs simply have to put this game behind them and focus on returning to San Antonio with one win. But without Kawhi at 100 percent, it’s hard to imagine they will be able to take down these juggernaut Warriors even if he gives it a go.