It became fashionable during the offseason to become dismissive of the Golden State Warriors, a team that won 67 games during the regular season, ranked near the top of the league in both offense and defense, featured the league MVP in Stephen Curry, and beat LeBron James and the Cavaliers to win the NBA title.
The thinking was that they were fortunate to avoid injuries during their historically great season, and that the odds of replicating it were against them. And with teams like the Thunder, the Spurs and even a healthy version of the Cavaliers all getting stronger, many believed the Warriors may not be the favorites to repeat as champions.
On opening night against the Pelicans, after getting his championship ring, Curry proceeded to remind everyone just how foolish that was.
Curry was unstoppable, scoring the ball in every ridiculous way that we've come to expect. He scored 24 points in the first quarter, and finished with 40 on the night to go along with six rebounds and seven assists.
The Pelicans aren't good right now, and are dealing with a whole host of injuries to several key players. Even so, Curry reminded everyone that the road to the championship is likely to go through his Warriors once again.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com
