WATCH: Warriors' Pachulia responds to Popovich criticism: 'I'm not a dirty player'

Earlier Popovich went on a tirade about Pachulia's 'unsportsmanlike' play

After a scathing criticism from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, it was Zaza Pachulia's turn to respond on Monday. Popovich accused the Warriors center of "unsportsmanlike" behavior after a Game 1 incident in which Kawhi Leonard took a jump shot and landed on Pachulia's foot, injuring his ankle.

"I'm not a dirty player," Pachulia said to reporters on an off day before Tuesday's Game 2, which Leonard is expected to miss due to the injury.

Zaza Pachulia addresses the play on Kawhi Leonard and Pop's comments (Part I). pic.twitter.com/QAwY4A3bmv

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 15, 2017

Zaza Pachulia addresses the play on Kawhi Leonard and Pop's comments (Part II). pic.twitter.com/TkWO4k1qEh

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 15, 2017

Pachulia insists that he did nothing wrong and reiterated that there was no malice behind his actions.

"I have a lot of respect for Coach Pop and the Spurs organization," Pachulia said. "... 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.

"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."