‘I only listen to my coach’

Zaza Pachulia heard all the negative noise from the home crowd, and he began taking it personally.

He was the new guy this season, the lone non-All-Star in Golden State’s star-studded top five. He was no Andrew Bogut, the imposing big man he replaced. Fans got nasty with their frustration.

Now, Pachulia constantly recalls what coach Steve Kerr preaches: The only thing that matters is how the Warriors feel about each other, not what anyone outside thinks or says.

Not that it was easy for Pachulia to ignore the scrutiny initially.

“That was one of the biggest challenges I’ve had. I’ve never been in this situation,” he said. “It’s a lot of responsibility, I understand it. It was very emotional for me at the beginning. I was kind of taking it very personal. But that’s where mental toughness kicks in.

“I’m fortunate I have friends who have been in this situation throughout the league, but most importantly, the biggest help came from my coaching staff.”

With Kerr’s words on his mind, Pachulia made a conscious decision to tune out the critics.

Not that Kerr has noticed, aside from Pachulia’s strong play of late.

“That is a major issue from every NBA player these days but particularly our guys in the spotlight, the constant judgment and criticism,” Kerr said Tuesday. “It’s not easy to deal with and I think it’s important for guys to put into perspective the way the world works these days. You have to be able to block stuff out and ignore stuff and just play and compete and enjoy what you have.”

It took time for the Warriors to click just as everybody involved expected, and Pachulia has been at the center of the development.