I still remember sitting in my friend’s basement last season, watching the Golden State Warriors rattle off win after win early in the campaign. There was this electric feeling every time they stepped on the court—like they just couldn’t lose. That got me thinking: what’s the absolute longest win streak to start a season in NBA history? I’ve always been fascinated by streaks in sports—those rare stretches where a team seems untouchable, almost magical. So I dug into the record books, and let me tell you, the story behind that incredible run is even more compelling than I expected.
The record belongs to the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who opened the season with a staggering 24 consecutive wins. Think about that for a second—24 games without a single loss. Night after night, they showed up and dominated. Steph Curry was in his unanimous MVP form, launching threes from what felt like the parking lot, and the team’s ball movement was just poetry in motion. I recall watching their 20th straight win—a close one against the Utah Jazz—where Curry hit a ridiculous step-back three with under a minute left. The entire arena erupted, and you could feel the momentum building, like they were riding a wave that nobody could stop. That Warriors team wasn’t just winning; they were redefining how basketball could be played, blending unselfish offense with tenacious defense in a way we hadn’t seen before.
Now, I know some fans might argue that the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers had a longer overall win streak—33 games, which is mind-boggling—but that didn’t all happen at the start of the season. The Warriors’ 24-0 opening is unique because it set the tone right from day one. It’s like they came out of the gate with a statement: “We’re here to make history.” Compare that to last season’s Boston Celtics, who started strong but “only” won 12 in a row early on. Don’t get me wrong, 12 wins is impressive, but it pales next to 24. The Warriors’ streak required not just skill, but a mental toughness that’s rare in professional sports. They faced injuries, tough road trips, and the pressure of defending their championship title, yet they kept finding ways to win.
What’s funny is that streaks like this often come down to the smallest moments. I remember one game during that run where Draymond Green made a game-saving block against the Clippers, and the energy in the building shifted instantly. It’s those clutch plays—the steals, the hustle rebounds, the unplanned heroics—that build a streak. And it’s not just about superstars; role players like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala stepped up time and again. As a fan, it’s those unsung efforts that stick with me long after the streak ends.
Speaking of building momentum, it reminds me of how tournaments in sports often unfold. Take, for example, the upcoming basketball tournament where the final draw and listing are expected to be published in the next few days. Just like the Warriors’ streak, the excitement around a tournament draw is all about anticipation and potential. Fans speculate on matchups, analyze team form, and dream of underdog stories. In a way, the Warriors’ 24-0 start was like a perfect tournament run compressed into the opening weeks of the season—every game felt like a must-win, and the stakes kept rising. If the tournament draw drops soon, we might see a team embark on their own historic journey, though matching 24 straight wins is a tall order.
In my opinion, what made the Warriors’ streak so special was how they balanced individual brilliance with team chemistry. Curry might drop 40 points one night, but then Klay Thompson would explode for 60 another game. It wasn’t a one-man show; it was a symphony. And let’s be honest, as much as I admire LeBron James and his Cavaliers teams, they never quite pulled off something like this to start a season. The closest might be the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who began 12-0, but even Michael Jordan’s squad couldn’t touch 24. That Warriors team was a perfect storm of talent, timing, and sheer will.
Reflecting on it now, I think streaks like this are what make sports so captivating. They’re unpredictable, emotional, and remind us why we love the game. The 2015-16 Warriors didn’t just break records; they created memories that fans like me will cherish for years. And as we wait for that tournament draw to be finalized, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll ever witness another start to a season that feels so invincible. For now, though, 24-0 stands as a towering achievement—one that I believe will be tough to beat, no matter how the game evolves.