(SP) – Golden State Warriors big man Zaza Pachulia says he feels more confident than ever that his team will beat the Cleveland Cavaliers with ease after a 113-91 Game 1 win.
“I just don’t think they have the horses to stay with us, no disrespect to the Cavaliers, who are a very good team,” said Pachulia. “They just don’t match up well now that we have Kevin [Durant] and Draymond [Green] isn’t suspended. That wasn’t the case with the Spurs, but I took care of that and clinched the series for us.”
Pachulia seemed to be referencing a play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in which he stepped under Kawhi Leonard, causing Leonard to land on Pachulia’s foot, twist his ankle and miss the remainder of the series. The Spurs were blowing the Warriors out in the third quarter at the time.
“Oh, I’m definitely referencing that,” he said. “We were losing big and I took care of it. What are they going to do – suspend me now? That was weeks ago. And go for it. We’re already in the NBA Finals and I’m going to get a ring. Why should I care if I get to just sit and watch for a couple games? What’s done is done and soon the Cavaliers are going to be done, too.”
The Cavaliers fired back after hearing Pachulia’s comments, however.
“This series is far from over,” said Kevin Love. “We are champions for a reason. Zaza is definitely going to have to break my ankle or dislocate my shoulder at some point in this series, I guarantee you that.”
