The Golden State Warriors opened 2024 with a little bit of desperation. After finally finding some rhythm to the tune of a five-game winning streak, they had ended 2023 with an utterly deflating three-game losing streak, falling at home to a Miami Heat team missing Jimmy Butler and a Dallas Mavericks team missing Kyrie Irving. Things were bad enough that it led to a team meeting.
So with New Year’s resolutions in the air, the Dubs hoped to open 2024 on the right foot. But standing between them and that was the Orland Magic, an enormous and energetic team that has been one of the best stories of the season this year.