BY AYODELE ODUMADE

The Golden State Warriors made the best start to an NBA season ever as they beat the Los Angeles Lakers 111-77 at the Oracle Arena on Tuesday, setting a new record of 16-0.  They were previously tied with Capitols of 1948/49 and the Houston Rockets of 1993/94 who both made 15-0 starts. The Warriors have also made the best start to an NBA season by defending champions.

The Warriors opened their championship winning season last year with a 21-2 record.  Their star player and the MVP last year, Stephen Curry has made the most prolific scoring start in the NBA in a decade with 514 points.  Luke Walton, 35, has been standing in as coach for the Warriors due to Steve Kerr’s absence as he is recovering from back surgery. Although a rookie at coaching, Walton, the son of hall of famer Bill Walton and two time NBA champion with the Lakers, should not have any problems with coaching. The experience gathered under Phil Jackson while at the Lakers and as deputy to Steve Kerr would have helped him immensely. He was also a development coach in the D League when he was asked to join Kerr’s coaching staff.

If Warriors who seem to be setting records at the moment continue in this rich vein of form they would justify the tag as  favourites to retain the title, which they won in style last year. Another record, which they currently hold is being the most prolific three-pointer scoring team at this stage with 199.  Their starting line-up is made up of Andre Iguodala, who was the finals MVP last season, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green. Nigerian, Festus Izeli who was also part of their team last year is still on their roster.