Russell Westbrook on Zaza Pachulia’s foul: ‘I don’t play that game’

While Westbrook posted a 20-point, 10 assist double-double in the defeat, he only shot 4-15 from the field (.267%) and committed six turnovers.

Pachulia seems to have some beef against Westbrook, because earlier, the Warriors big man shoved Westbrook aside.

Perhaps surprising was that the game was actually close for the first two quarters and tied at halftime. He also pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds as the Warriors beat the Thunder 46-36 on the boards.

The bad blood between the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder has boiled over. Meanwhile, Golden State went the entire third frame without committing a single turnover.

Having played there for 10 years, Durant may already be used to how loud the fans can get inside the Chesapeake Arena (appropriately called Thunder Alley because it is the loudest arena to play in). Whereas the Thunder, who don’t have almost the shooting prowess Golden State does, hoisted 28 3-pointers, hitting just eight while essentially shooting themselves out of the game.

Though there was no retaliation, either in the immediate aftermath or later in the game, Westbrook’s teammates took exception to the foul and also to the reaction of Pachulia.

“I thought I made it”, Durant said, “and then I heard the crowd”.

“I didn’t see that until just now, but I don’t play that game”, he said.

INJURY UPDATE: X-rays revealed that David West suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left thumb. The extra space came from the presence of Klay Thompson, another of his co-star. Passion is bound to be high for all the fans who attend those two games to see Durant return for the first time since his move. Thunder coach Billy Donovan announced at his pregame press briefing that C Steven Adams (concussion) was getting better but noted Adams has yet to be cleared for Oklahoma City’s next game – Monday at Utah.

The drama-bound New York Knicks (19-24) seek to right a awful January as they host the Washington Wizards (22-19) in Thursday’s top game. They’ll now embark on a four-game road trip, beginning on Saturday in Houston.