With the win streak over and the Warriors limping into their sixth losing streak of at least three games, even those few delusional fans must bury their playoff fantasies and accept this season for what it is.
A chance to conduct live auditions for 2020-21 and, perhaps, beyond.
Which is why every member of the brain trust above coach Steve Kerr has spent the last 10 weeks – ever since hearing Stephen Curry would miss at least three months – closely evaluating most of the players on the roster.
As the Warriors sifted through the free-agent market, they sought players willing to sign one-year contracts.