Within a few days, things might drastically shift. The Houston Rockets were chasing the Golden State Warriors, who were breaking apart as they prepared for an extremely grueling back-to-back in Florida. Even that seemed like an extremely difficult task—the Dubs needed to salvage at least one win.

They actually won both games. The Dubs defeated the Miami Heat, who were playing with a reduced roster, 113-92 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they faced the Orlando Magic, who were playing at full strength, 101-93.

It was also one of their most impressive and significant wins of the year.

When the game began, the Warriors were behind eight balls because Jonathan Kuminga was sidelined with a minor injury. It was a difficult blow because he is crucial to the matchup, but Trayce Jackson-Davis made a strong comeback from his own injury and started in the starting lineup.

Then, just a few minutes into the game, Draymond Green’s ejection cost the Warriors another important starting lineup player. This time, there was no dirty play; rather, Green was just unable to get the refs to quit bickering, even with a sizable leash. He was then sent packing after receiving two technicians.

The Warriors were suddenly without their two starting big men in addition to being on the road, finishing a back-to-back, and facing a strong, motivated opponent.

However, the Dubs appeared to be more energetic without Green, particularly on defense. The Warriors were behind 8–6 after the Magic hit the free throws that were awarded for Green’s technical fouls. Then, powered by outstanding defense and some outstanding play from Brandin Podziemski off the bench, they went on a 21-2 run.

The Dubs lead 27-11 at the half, despite the absence of Green and Kuminga and Steph Curry’s 0 points.

But in the NBA, no lead is secure. In the second quarter, Steve Kerr called an early timeout after he missed four Magic threes. Suddenly, the game was down to six points. However, the defense tightened up once more, and Gary Payton II appeared to be able to do everything on a basketball floor as the Dubs restored their lead to 14 points. Orlando finished with a couple clutch plays, but even with Curry scoring just six points and the Warriors shooting just 2-for-16 from beyond the arc overall, the Warriors still had a 45-37 lead at the half.

The Warriors had a good start to the third quarter before things started to go wrong. Curry was fouled with a 13-point advantage and forced to foul, but the Magic overturned the ruling to win. An 11-2 Orlando run took the place of a chance to go up 15. The teams alternated as the Warrior steadied, but the momentum was changing. After three quarters, the Warriors were up 72-66, but you were not at all at ease.

And then there was Andrew Wiggins.

On the game’s first possession, Wiggins made a three-pointer. Wiggins added another three, and the Magic responded with three of their own. After the Magic made a comeback and reduced the advantage to four, Wiggins scored once more. He scored 13 points in the quarter overall, with each bucket being larger than the last.

Though the Warriors were playing solid defense, the Magic were fighting like crazy. With roughly two and a half minutes remaining, an Orlando run of seven points reduced the difference to one. Orlando had a chance to take the lead for the first time since the opening two games, but the Warriors defense remained impenetrable. They caused a 24-second infraction, and on the other end, they found Payton for a simple two. With 1:09 left, they made another stop, and then Curry slid in for a basket to put them up five.

With the game wide open, the Warriors managed one more stop. Curry, who had been having trouble with his three all evening, then smacked the Orlando crowd with his trademark “night night” celebration.

Well, good night. plus one incredible trip to Florida.

Coaches and teammates took note of Wiggins’ incredible effort, which culminated in a team-high 23 points.

Along with 10 assists, Curry scored 17 points, and Klay Thompson scored 15 points. With the outstanding play of Payton, Podziemski, and Moses Moody off the bench, the Warriors outrebounded the Magic 52–39.