Zaza on Kawhi: 'I really feel bad for the guy'
Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia has come under fire for his suspect closeout in Game 1 that led to the re-aggravation of Kawhi Leonard's ankle injury.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich slammed Pachulia for his "totally unnatural closeout," but Pachulia proclaimed his innocence at practice on Monday, just as he did after Sunday's game.
"I have a lot of respect for Coach Pop and the Spurs organization," Pachulia said, before explaining that he wasn't bothered by Popovich's angry comments.
"I did whatever I had to do. That was the right defense for my side, to challenge the shot. I wish he hadn't landed on my foot.
"Honestly, I had no idea he landed on my foot until I turned back and he was already on the ground. As soon as he released the ball I turned around and tried to chase the rebound and see where the ball was going, and apparently he landed on my foot while I was already turned.
Zaza Pachulia addresses the play on Kawhi Leonard and Pop's comments (Part II). pic.twitter.com/TkWO4k1qEh
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 15, 2017
"I really feel bad for the guy. I wish it didn't happen, that it was a different result ... I have a lot of respect for Kawhi. I think he is one of the best players. I wish him all the best," Pachulia said.
"My approach to this game for 14 years that I've been in the league is to play hard and (give) 100 percent of whatever I have," Pachulia told ESPN's Chris Haynes. "So, I don't agree with the calls that I'm a dirty player. I'm not a dirty player. I love this game and I'm playing hard. That's what I was taught since Day 1."