Zaza Pachulia finds comfort zone with Warriors

Pachulia delivered the outlet with such pinpoint accuracy that Curry didn't break stride as he finished with a layup on the other end. After two-plus months figuring out his role in a talent-laden lineup, Pachulia has emerged as a reliable cog. Per 36 minutes this season, he is averaging 11.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals. Though hardly a rim protector, the 6-foot-11, 275-pounder has helped anchor one of the league's best interior defenses. In his 14th year of an NBA career that has spanned six teams, including two stints with Milwaukee, Pachulia faced perhaps his most daunting challenge yet. The fifth member of a starting five that boasts four All-Stars, he had to learn how to contribute without infringing on what makes his running mates elite. When will Curry turn down the open three-pointer to drive for a layup? With defenses focused on stopping Durant, Thompson, Curry and Draymond Green, he takes open shots he would have ignored in past months. Pachulia has scored double-digit points in four straight games after posting just two games of at least 10 through Golden State's first 34 games. "We've never played with guys who move so much away from the ball," said West, who...