Zaza gets his ring and a standing-o ? pic.twitter.com/yb8lMvROi1
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 25, 2019
A matchup between the Warriors and Pistons normally doesn’t demand much pregame festivity. But Sunday’s matchup called for it, with Zaza Pachulia, as a member of the visiting Pistons, returning to Oracle Arena for the first time since the 2018 season.
Prior to tipoff, the Warriors played a video tribute for Pachulia on the overhead scoreboard. He was given a standing ovation. Klay Thompson presented him with his 2018 NBA Championship ring.
Zaza gets his ring from Klay Thompson. Very cool. pic.twitter.com/ETj7aJ8nXl
— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) March 25, 2019
Pachulia played both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons with the Warriors, both of which ended in NBA titles. He averaged 5.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists throughout that time. He started 127 games in those two years.
Pachulia, now on his seventh NBA team, is in his 16th NBA season, and his first with the Detroit Pistons. He has averaged 4.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 13.3 minutes played.
Barring a meeting in the 2019 NBA Finals, Sunday will mark Pachulia’s final game in Oracle.