Dirty play knocks Kawhi Leonard out of Game 1 vs. Warriors (Video)

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard left Game 1 vs. the Warriors with a sprained ankle and it came as a result of a dirty play from Warriors center Zaza Pachulia.

Kawhi Leonard has already missed time in the NBA Playoffs when he missed Game 6 of the second round matchup vs. the Rockets with an ankle injury. Now, the Spurs MVP has been forced out of action again in the opening game against the Warriors in the conference finale.

Leonard rolled his ankle in the third quarter but remained in the game after walking it off, however, moments later Leonard rolled his ankle again and was ruled out for the rest of the game. The play in question is sure to be a hot topic Sunday night and into Monday after Zaza Pachulia looked to slide his foot under Leonard so he’d come down on the Warriors foot and roll his tender ankle.

This happens often in basketball, so you decide for yourself whether this play from Pachulia was dirty or if it was a natural basketball move that, unfortunately, left Leonard prone to the injury. Pachulia was called for a foul on the play.

It can be an instinctive move and I’m sure Warriors fans will argue it as such, but considering Leonard has already missed time in the playoffs with an injury and moments earlier was grimacing with a sprained ankle, I’m thinking this was an intentional move from Pachulia to get Leonard out of the game.

Next: Which NBA players can help you survive the zombie apocalypse?

I’m sure Pachulia and his teammates will say it wasn’t and I’m sure Leonard and the Spurs will have a difference of opinion. The Warriors went on an 18-0 run when Leonard was knocked out of the game, so intentional or not, it benefitted the Warriors mightily.

The bigger question may be how Leonard’s ankle responds the rest of the series and if he’ll be ready to go for Game 2. If he can’t, the Spurs may be in trouble without their best player.