Warriors honored by President Obama at the White House

WASHINGTON (KGO) -- Saying they're beautiful to watch, President Barack Obama is saluting the Golden State Warriors, the reigning champions of the National Basketball Association.

PHOTOS: Obama honors the Warriors at the White House

Obama is a basketball enthusiast who said at a White House reception that the Warriors are one of the best teams "we've ever seen."

The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in last year's NBA finals and are off to a historically strong start, with a 45-4 record so far this season.

Obama joked that he "was hoping Riley Curry would be here today" and said, "Keep shooting, Steph. Not that he needs any encouragement!"

The Warriors are led by Stephen Curry, a sharpshooting guard who won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award last year.

WATCH VIDEO: Highlights from Warriors' Dub Nation Celebration

Obama describes the Warriors as a "small-ball nuclear lineup." He says they're so good, it's almost not fair. In turn, the team presented Obama with a basketball jersey that reads "44," because he's the 44th president.

Steph Curry visited Obama last February at the White House to promote the United Nations Nothing But Nets anti-malaria program. Last night, Curry tuned up for the meeting as the Dubs faced the Wizards in the nation's capital.

PHOTOS: Warriors return home as NBA champs

Steph scored 51 points, making 11 3-pointers, as the Dubs beat the Wizards, 134-121. It was the Warriors' eighth straight victory, improving to 45-4 on the season.

Click here for highlights from the Warriors 2016 championship parade and click here for full coverage on the Warriors.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.