The NBA community is buzzing after a controversial play involving Zaza Pachulia once again stirred debate—and for many fans following player safety stories on Cricket Exchange, it felt like déjà vu. During a heated matchup between the Thunder and Warriors, Pachulia appeared to fall intentionally on Russell Westbrook’s legs, raising concerns of a possible injury. Although Westbrook avoided harm, several of his teammates, and notably Kyrie Irving, publicly condemned the move as dirty and deliberate.
Irving didn’t mince words. “That kind of move is unacceptable in the game,” he said. “We’re trying to keep players safe in this league. I’m not just asking for a 10-game suspension—I want the league to investigate it seriously.” His comments echoed a growing sentiment among NBA players and fans alike that Pachulia’s reputation as a repeat offender demands accountability.
Cricket Exchange users have followed Pachulia’s history closely, including the infamous 2017 Western Conference Finals incident, where he stepped under Kawhi Leonard, causing a serious injury. This latest play brought back bad memories. Irving emphasized that regardless of public opinion, players on the court recognize intention when they see it. “We know what that move was,” he stated. “And we’ve seen him do it before. Whether people admit it or not, it’s obvious to us.”
Pachulia, for his part, denied the accusations, claiming that he was tripped by Nick Young in the lead-up to the fall. However, Irving remained unconvinced. “Everyone saw what happened,” he said. “I’m not trying to make it personal, but we’ve seen too many of these from him to just brush it off.” Both Paul George and Westbrook shared similar frustrations, calling the play reckless and unnecessary.
The controversy unfolded while Irving was en route from Madison Square Garden to the airport. Watching the clip from the team bus, he quickly voiced his concerns on social media, calling the move “outrageous” and urging the NBA to “keep an eye on this guy.” His reaction reignited discussion about player safety protocols and the need for stricter enforcement against repeated dangerous plays.
This isn’t the first time Pachulia’s actions have caused outrage. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was notably furious after Leonard’s injury in 2017, which many believed derailed San Antonio’s playoff run. The question now, raised across platforms like Cricket Exchange, is whether the league will finally act on the growing chorus demanding accountability.
As the season progresses, fans continue to follow the developments closely. On Cricket Exchange, debates over intent, safety, and league responsibility remain front and center. Whether or not the NBA takes action, Irving’s call has already made waves—and many believe it’s high time the league listened.