The defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors appear to be even better than they were last year.

Last night, the Warriors trounced the L.A. Lakers 111-77 setting an NBA record by winning their first 16 games. The record had previously been held by the 1948-49 Washington Capitols and the 1983-84 Houston Rockets.

The strangest thing about this winning streak is that they have been doing it without head coach Steve Kerr who is recovering from back surgery. Luke Walton, son of NBA legend Bill Walton, has been the interim head coach. However, under NBA rules, Kerr gets all the credit for wins and losses. Or should I just say wins?

The Warriors can extend their record to 17 straight wins on Friday night when they visit the Phoenix Suns.

Interestingly, the Warriors began their franchise history in Philadelphia. They are happy not to be there now. The Philadelphia 76ers have started this NBA season 0-15. With a loss tonight against the Boston Celtics, they could tie the NBA record for consecutive losses at 26 (they lost their final 10 games season last season). This would a tie a record set last year by (who else?) the 76ers. Philly actually shares this record with the 2010-2011 Cleveland Cavaliers who also lost 26 in a row the year LeBron James relocated to South Beach. But, of course, all is forgiven there.

UPDATE: The 76ers blew a fourth quarter lead against the Celtics to lose 84-80 and begin the season 0-16 and tie their own record for consecutive losses with 26. They could break the record on Friday night against the Houston Rockets.