Golden State Warriors to Defend Championship Title

The Golden State Warriors will see a familiar face in the match up against the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA season opener at the Oracle Arena on Tuesday night, their former assistant coach.

Last season, Alvin Gentry was part of the coaching team that led the Warriors to their first championship title in 30 years. Tuesday night, he will coach the Pelicans against his former team.

This is Gentry first head coaching gig since 2013 when he headed the Phoenix Suns. He replaced Monty Williams with the Pelicans.

“It’s gonna be a little bit different in that these are people that we did something special with and together, so you have a closeness there, but after this thing is over, we have to find a way to compete and beat these guys, which is not going to be easy,” Gentry told the Associated press.

The Warriors, along with Gentry, will receive their championship rings at Tuesday night’s pre-game ceremony.

The Warriors will be coached by Luke Walton who is subbing for Steve Kerr, who is recovering from back surgery.

New Orleans has lost 14 of the last 15 meetings with the Warriors, a trend the Pelicans hope to reverse with Gentry at the helm.

Tip off for Tuesday’s game is at 7:30 p.m. The game is televised on TNT.

--Photo courtesy of the the Golden State Warriors