{"id":938272,"date":"2026-10-23T17:14:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T17:14:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/938272\/"},"modified":"2026-10-23T17:14:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T17:14:14","slug":"one-takeaway-from-every-nba-teams-first-game-of-the-2026-27-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/938272\/","title":{"rendered":"One Takeaway From Every NBA Team\u2019s First Game of the 2026\u201327 Season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"d0\">Congratulations, everybody. We made it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/knicks\/knicks-got-special-moment-on-champions-night-and-then-reality-set-in\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The NBA season is officially underway<\/a>! After a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/roundtable-which-team-best-offseason-which-moves-dont-make-sense\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">roller-coaster offseason that fueled all manner of wild preseason speculation<\/a>, there have been games played, finally giving us results to analyze and performances to break down. What a beautiful thing after four long months without professional basketball in our lives. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"d5\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/pistons\/early-opening-day-game-was-risk-but-it-worked-and-detroit-loved-it\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pistons and Celtics got us kicked off on Tuesday<\/a>. Over the following days, every one of the NBA\u2019s teams took the floor to open their season. In honor of the 2026\u201327 campaign finally getting underway, the SI NBA team got together to offer one takeaway from every team\u2019s first game. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"da\">Enjoy, and let the (rest of) the games begin. <\/p>\n<p>Atlanta Hawks\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"dp\">First game: Win over Magic\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-6\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"du\">Takeaway: Nickeil Alexander-Walker has no intent on slowing down. Last year\u2019s MIP winner came out of nowhere to average 20 points per game after signing with Atlanta in free agency (the rare 100% increase year-over-year in scoring) and dropped 31 to lead the Hawks to a narrow opening-night win over the Magic. Jalen Johnson remains the fulcrum of the team\u2019s offense but NAW is invaluable when he\u2019s making shots like he was on Wednesday night. He will be making a case to be considered one of the top two-way guards in the East this season. \u2014Liam McKeone<\/p>\n<p>Boston Celtics\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"e4\">First game: Loss to Pistons<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"e9\">Takeaway: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/paul-george-reintroduced-the-all-star-version-of-himself-in-celtics-debut\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Paul George is back to his normal self<\/a>. Detroit\u2019s Ausar Thompson locked up Jayson Tatum all game and Boston blew a 22-point lead, but George\u2019s 38-point outburst was a huge bright spot. It was the most points scored by any Celtics player in their team debut, and he looked like the nine-time All-Star version of PG that we all know oh-so-well. After the game, George said he hasn\u2019t felt this healthy since his stint with the Clippers after he struggled to stay on the floor over his two-year run with the 76ers. It\u2019s just one game, but he looks like he can still ball at an elite level. \u2014Blake Silverman<\/p>\n<p>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/pistons\/early-opening-day-game-was-risk-but-it-worked-and-detroit-loved-it\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The NBA\u2019s Early Opening Day Game Was a Risk. But It Worked\u2014and Detroit Loved It<\/a>Brooklyn Nets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"eo\">First game: Loss to Hornets<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-13\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"et\">Takeaway: The veterans weren\u2019t too interested in giving up the rock. Despite being a young team at large the Nets employ two ball-dominant, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/nets-need-to-develop-young-players-julius-randle-michael-porter-jr-help-cause\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">experienced players in Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr<\/a>. In their first game together they combined for 59 of the team\u2019s 103 points and took 39 shots in total (compared to eight assists between the pair). Those are pretty good numbers in a vacuum, but the team still lost while 2026 lottery pick Mikel Brown Jr. went 2-for-8 in his debut and 2025 lottery pick Egor D\u00ebmin went 2-for-10. How coach Jordi Fernandez chooses to balance getting his vets touches with the development of the younger talent will be an interesting subplot to keep an eye on as Brooklyn finally pushes for wins. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte Hornets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-16\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"f8\">First game: Win over Nets<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fd\">Takeaway: Two words: Naz Reid. Alright, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/over-1000-timberwolves-fans-got-naz-reid-tattoos-traded-now-what\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">maybe that\u2019s Minnesota\u2019s thing<\/a>, but the former Timberwolves fan favorite was awesome in his Hornets debut. He finished just three assists shy of a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Charlotte dealt without Kon Knueppel and Coby White in the opening night win over Brooklyn. White\u2019s absence left a need for playmaking, and Reid found his teammates while also getting his own shots. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago Bulls\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5mh0qjykkbgamjj2s.jpg\" alt=\"Caleb Wilson and Kawhi Leonard\" title=\"Caleb Wilson and Kawhi Leonard\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"fu\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Caleb Wilson went head-to-head with Kawhi Leonard in his first NBA game.  | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-20\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g0\">First game: Loss to Raptors\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-21\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g5\">Takeaway: Caleb Wilson <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/bulls\/nba-scout-breaks-down-caleb-wilson-potential-hes-going-to-be-really-good\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">is not a shy rookie<\/a>. As the Bulls got annihilated by 43 points in his first-ever NBA game, the No. 4 pick launched 21 shots against the fierce Raptors defense. He did not make many of them, finishing 7-for-21 for 16 points, but you can\u2019t say he was afraid of the moment. The nine turnovers weren\u2019t exactly ideal but also reflect Wilson\u2019s desire to try, even if he fails more often than not to start his career. That fits what we knew about the UNC product entering his first campaign and why there\u2019s reason to be so excited about his future. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cleveland Cavaliers\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-23\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gf\">First game: Loss to 76ers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-24\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gk\">Takeaway: Kenny Atkinson might, somehow, already be on the hot seat. The Cavaliers looked like they were going to get off to a dream start in taking a 29-point lead against the 76ers in their Philadelphia home opener. Then the nightmare began. Cleveland blew the lead in stunning fashion and wound up losing by eight points in a collapse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/playoffs\/cavaliers-meltdown-three-coaching-blunders-cleveland-led-epic-collapse-knicks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">deeply reminiscent of the team\u2019s catastrophic Game 1 <\/a>Eastern Conference finals performance. No coach is going to get canned after the first game of the season &#8230; but the pressure was on to prove the Cavs weren\u2019t the same team that meekly bowed out of the ECF. Instead they put on a repeat performance of the franchise\u2019s worst playoff loss in modern history. A brutal way to begin the year, and the only outcome where it feels reasonable to believe Atkinson should be feeling the heat. \u2014L.M. <\/p>\n<p>Dallas Mavericks\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-26\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gu\">First game: Loss to Rockets<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-27\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gz\">Takeaway: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/mavericks\/dont-look-now-cooper-flagg-ascension-stardom-is-nigh\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cooper Flagg is awesome<\/a>, but the rest of the roster isn\u2019t. Flagg had 32 points on 10-for-17 shooting and posted a team-best -6 in the 28-point loss. Kyrie Irving looked pretty good for a guy who hadn\u2019t played since March 2025. Otherwise the Mavs looked awful against a physical, motivated Rockets team. The learning curve will be steep for rookie coach Dustin May and a roster full of athletes with questionable shooting skills won\u2019t make life easy, no matter how good Flagg is set to be in his sophomore campaign.\u00a0 \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/2026-27-nba-season-predictions-finals-picks-award-winners-bold-takes-digital-cover\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026\u201327 NBA Season Predictions: Finals Picks, Award Winners and Bold Takes<\/a>Denver Nuggets <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-30\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"he\">First game: Loss to Thunder<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-31\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hj\">Takeaway: This rotation will be, uh, interesting. Rookies Trevon Brazile and Alpha Diallo got serious minutes in the opener. Brazile joins as a second-round pick, while Diallo signed a one-year deal over the offseason after he played five seasons in the EuroLeague. Maybe that changes once Spencer Jones is healthy, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/nuggets\/nuggets-dug-themselves-into-deep-hole-nikola-jokic-future-hangs-in-balance\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the supporting cast is still iffy at best<\/a>. Nikola Joki\u0107 and Jamal Murray both had a rough night, which will be tough for the Nuggets to overcome even when they play teams who aren\u2019t as good as the Thunder. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Detroit Pistons\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-33\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ht\">First game: Win over Celtics\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-34\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hy\">Takeaway: Ausar Thompson is the NBA\u2019s best defender not named Victor Wembanyama. The Pistons had a rough first half, but they never let Tatum (Thompson\u2019s assignment) get going. Boston\u2019s superstar finished the game with 13 points and 11 assists. He made plays, but he couldn\u2019t get his shot as he finished the night 6-for-23 from the field and 0-for-7 from three-point range. Thompson has continuously kept NBA superstars in check and that hasn\u2019t seemed to change as he\u2019s fresh off <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/recent-nba-contract-extension-grades-thompson-twins-keyonte-george-get-paid\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a five-year, $155 million contract extension<\/a> over the offseason. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Golden State Warriors\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-36\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"i8\">First game: Loss to Lakers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-37\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"id\">Takeaway: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/lakers\/luka-doncic-made-warriors-look-silly-opening-night-win-then-things-got-heated\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Yaxel Lendeborg is a frisky young fella<\/a>. Well, that is, if a 24-year-old rookie is still considered young. The Michigan product was tasked with guarding Luka Don\u010di\u0107 and he did an admirable job, but he also had an unbelievable \u201cwelcome to the league\u201d moment. Don\u010di\u0107 drew a foul which put Lendeborg on the bench; they started jawing and Luka hit a shot and yelled toward the Warriors\u2019 bench to put the rookie back in the game. Steve Kerr obliged, then Don\u010di\u0107 drew another foul and a technical before he hit a half-court heave at the halftime buzzer which flipped the game. Lendeborg\u2019s unwillingness to back down was respectable, but Don\u010di\u0107 isn\u2019t the one to provoke. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/what-we-know-about-kristaps-porzingis-situation-and-what-warriors-do-next\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">What We Know About the Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is Situation and What the Warriors Might Do Next<\/a>Houston Rockets\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-40\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"is\">First game: Win over Mavericks<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-41\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ix\">Takeaway: Fred VanVleet gave the Rockets everything they were hoping for. At 32 years old and coming off a torn ACL, some hesitation was understandable in regards to whether he\u2019d make the instant impact Houston believed he would as a true point guard for a roster that desperately needed one. His first game back was an excellent sign in that regard. The veteran scored only six points on eight shots in the Rockets\u2019 blowout win\u2014but racked up 11 assists and his ability to organize the floor made a visible difference compared to last season\u2019s ugly product. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Indiana Pacers\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5mh2azbz4eh39g0p6.jpg\" alt=\"Pacers\" title=\"Pacers\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"je\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tyrese Haliburton looked like his old self in the Pacers\u2019 opening night win.  | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-44\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jk\">First game: Win over Pelicans\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-45\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jp\">Takeway: Tyrese Haliburton is back. After <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/pacers\/tyrese-haliburton-teary-postgame-interview-what-we-love-about-sports\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the star point guard\u2019s tearful postgame interview<\/a>, what else really matters? The fact that he led the Pacers to a comeback win with 23 points and 12 assists in classic Hali fashion is an aside. One of the game\u2019s most joyful players returned to the court with resounding success and looked like exactly the same guy. That\u2019s something for everybody to celebrate. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles Clippers\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-47\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jz\">First game: Win over Kings<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-48\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"k4\">Takeaway: The Darius Garland show will be fun to watch for as long as it lasts. With veteran scorers Brandon Ingram and Max Strus both on the shelf due to injury, it\u2019s going to be Garland\u2019s world in Los Angeles and he balled out on opening night with 30 points on 11-for-19 shooting. Keaton Wagler\u2019s successful NBA debut (15 points, five rebounds, five assists) was the more important long-term development but this is Garland\u2019s team right now and it\u2019ll be very enjoyable to see him yo-yo his way through the trees as the Clippers\u2019 No. 1 scoring option this season. We just have to hope his body holds up after last year\u2019s injury-plagued campaign. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles Lakers\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-50\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ke\">First game: Win over Warriors<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-51\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"kj\">Takeaway: Hello, Walker Kessler! Don\u010di\u0107 led the team in scoring, but Kessler was a perfect 12-for-12 from the field with 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in his Lakers debut. It was Kessler\u2019s first game since last Halloween after he missed all but five contests last season due to a torn labrum. Los Angeles paid a steep price to acquire its new starting big man from the Jazz and with the earliest return, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/lakers\/why-lakers-actually-will-be-better-off-without-lebron-james\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">you can see Rob Pelinka\u2019s vision<\/a>. Playing alongside Don\u010di\u0107 will be huge for Kessler, as long as he can stay healthy. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-53\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"kt\">First game: Win over Jazz<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-54\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ky\">Takeaway: Everyone forgot about Ty Jerome! The Grizzlies were a popular preseason pick to finish as one of the league\u2019s worst teams with a roster lacking notable names <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/grizzlies\/grizzlies-got-surest-bet-nba-rookie-class-cameron-boozer-anonymous-scout-says\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">outside of No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer<\/a>. Jerome, who missed all but 15 games last season due to injury, apparently took that personally. He went bananas in Memphis\u2019s home opener with an outstanding 45 points in 32 minutes to lead the Grizzlies to an unexpected blowout win over a hyped Jazz team. It was a glorious display of shot-making, and we can\u2019t wait to see if he can do it again. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Miami Heat<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5mh4gm83aer36xd3e.jpg\" alt=\"Giannis Antetokounmpo\" title=\"Giannis Antetokounmpo\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"lf\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Giannis was excellent in his Heat debut but Miami still lost its home opener.  | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-57\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ll\">First game: Loss to Timberwolves\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-58\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"lq\">Takeaway: Giannis Antetokounmpo looked fantastic, but where was the help? It looked a bit like the last few years in Milwaukee on Wednesday night. No need to panic, though, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/heat\/giannis-antetokounmpo-dominant-heat-debut-couldnt-mask-miami-flaws-blowout-opening-loss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">just need a bit of time to gain some chemistry<\/a>. The only time Adebayo popped off the television screen was when Antetokounmpo was sitting on the bench. If the Heat are going places this season, that needs to change, but they know that. \u2014Tom Dierberger<\/p>\n<p>Milwaukee Bucks\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-60\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"m0\">First game: Loss to Wizards<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-61\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"m5\">Takeaway: Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro will carry this team. Ryan Rollins got a lot of looks too, but it appears that the offseason arrivals from Miami will bear much of the scoring responsibility. However, Brayden Burries needs to get more minutes. The No. 10 pick played just 16 minutes against Washington and had a solid debut. He just needs more opportunity, which the Bucks should provide. They\u2019re not exactly trying to contend this year. The same could be said for Nate Ament, the 13th pick, but he dealt with an ankle sprain over the preseason and Milwaukee was likely careful as he didn\u2019t enter the season opener. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-63\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"mf\">First game: Win over Heat<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-64\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"mk\">Takeaway: Yes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/timberwolves\/timberwolves-new-anthony-edwards-lamelo-ball-pairing-has-our-attention\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the Anthony Edwards-LaMelo Ball backcourt pairing will work<\/a>. Minnesota coach Chris Finch mostly staggered their minutes together, but when they did share the floor (for about 17 minutes), the Wolves outscored Miami by 17 points. Edwards couldn\u2019t miss. He and Ball combined to drain 14 threes, which is more than 21 of the 30 NBA teams in their season openers. \u2014T.D.<\/p>\n<p>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/timberwolves\/anthony-edwards-taking-center-stage-this-season-results-will-be-spectacular\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Edwards Is Taking Center Stage This Season. The Results Will Be Spectacular\u2014Win or Lose<\/a>New Orleans Pelicans\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-67\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"mz\">First game: Loss to Pacers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-68\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"n4\">Takeaway: Derik Queen needs to start or, at least, get more minutes. The second-year big man played just 18 minutes off the bench on Wednesday. And he recorded a double-double in that short period. Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans\u2019 second-year guard, got the start but he played just 21 minutes as he had an inefficient night. Queen and Fears made their fair share of mistakes, but with how much the Pelicans have invested in those two, they need a bigger role. Maybe New Orleans is trying to win games and other lineups give them a better shot. Realistically, though, the franchise is nowhere near a contender in the West and it needs to prioritize Fears and Queen\u2019s development. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>New York Knicks<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-70\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ne\">First game: Loss to 76ers\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-71\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"nj\">Takeaway: Karl-Anthony Towns remains critical to the offense\u2019s operation. He struggled to stay on the floor due to foul trouble for the first three quarters and the Knicks were unable to run any offense through him as a result, allowing the 76ers to key in on Jalen Brunson (who finished 6-for-19 on the night). Whatever KAT is willing to give defensively night-to-night is important, of course, but he\u2019s what allows the offense to attack in multiple ways and his 24 minutes on ring night weren\u2019t nearly enough to make the impact his team needs. \u2014L.M.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/knicks\/knicks-got-special-moment-on-champions-night-and-then-reality-set-in\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Knicks Got Their Special Moment on Champions Night, and Then Reality Set in<\/a>Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-74\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ny\">First two games: Win over Spurs; win over Nuggets<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-75\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"o3\">Takeaway: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/chet-holmgren-thunder-remind-spurs-who-they-are-return-nba-best-rivalry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chet Holmgren is back to being Chet Holmgren<\/a>. His disastrous Western Conference finals series is behind him. Those who forgot Holmgren finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting got a reminder Tuesday night when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/what-chet-holmgren-thinks-about-victor-wembanyama-led-spurs-digital-cover\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">he held rival Victor Wembanyama<\/a> to 12 points in the worst shooting performance of his career (1-for-13). Holmgren followed that up with 12 points, a whopping 17 boards and four blocks against Denver on Thursday. Sheesh!  \u2014T.D.<\/p>\n<p>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/chet-holmgren-thunder-remind-spurs-who-they-are-return-nba-best-rivalry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chet Holmgren, Thunder Remind Spurs Who They Are in Return of the NBA\u2019s Best Rivalry<\/a>Orlando Magic\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-78\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"oi\">First game: Loss to Hawks<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-79\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"on\">Takeaway: Tristan da Silva could be a game-changer. Paolo Banchero had an incredible game for the Magic, but da Silva\u2019s shotmaking off the bench stood out. He played 28 minutes, nearly a starter workload, and scored 14 points as he knocked down four triples. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/magic\/sean-sweeney-what-magic-new-coach-loves-about-roster-how-orlando-can-improve\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New coach Sean Sweeney said before the season<\/a> that da Silva would have a green light, and that came to fruition in Orlando\u2019s opener. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Philadelphia 76ers\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5mh5wr31ebwh2n6jg.jpg\" alt=\"LeBron James and Jaylen Brown\" title=\"LeBron James and Jaylen Brown\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"p4\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Sixers\u2019 newcomers helped upset the Knicks on ring night.  | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-82\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"pa\">First two games: Win over Knicks; win over Cavs<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-83\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"pf\">Takeaway: LeBron James seems not just willing but eager to play the connector role. The longtime superstar finished with only 14 points against the Knicks but added seven assists and wielded his basketball IQ as a weapon to open up the floor for his teammates with timely cuts as well as hockey assists. We know from last season the 41-year-old is still capable of 20-point-per-game production, but that\u2019s not what Philadelphia will need to succeed with this star-studded lineup. He leaned into that reality and it resulted in an unexpected opening night win for a roster everyone thought would need time to mesh. \u2014L.M.<\/p>\n<p>Phoenix Suns\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-85\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"pp\">First game: Loss to Trail Blazers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-86\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"pu\">Takeaway: It\u2019s never a good thing when your star player (Devin Booker) calls the first game of the year a wake-up call. Phoenix looked like it was sleepwalking in the first quarter and fell behind 21\u20130 in the opening six minutes. It was comically bad. Teammates were fighting over rebounds and missing easy shots. Devin Booker finished the game with a plus\/minus of -43. There have only been 74 instances since the NBA began tracking the stat of a plus\/minus worse than -43. (The all-time record, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/stathead\/tiny\/XCIMS\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">according to Stathead<\/a>, is -60 by Jazz guard Cody Williams last January in a 150\u201395 loss to the Hornets.) The only takeaway you can gain from a game this bad is the Suns should thank their lucky stars they have 81 more opportunities to figure it out. \u2014T.D.<\/p>\n<p>Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-88\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"q4\">First game: Win over Suns<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-89\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"q9\">Takeaway: Everyone on this roster is a three-point threat. All five of Portland\u2019s starters\u2014Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Donovan Clingan, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara\u2014hit multiple treys against Phoenix. That is tough to defend. Also, I don\u2019t know this to be a fact, but the Trail Blazers\u2019 21\u20130 run in the opening six minutes of Micah Nori\u2019s tenure has to be the best start for a coach\u2019s debut in NBA history, right? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/video\/tom-dundon-s-cheapness-is-the-talk-of-the-nba-01kpxmpakn2pmkr49mek\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Extend his contract now, Tom Dundon<\/a>. \u2014T.D.<\/p>\n<p>Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-91\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"qj\">First game: Loss to Clippers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-92\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"qo\">Takeaway: Prized rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 pick in June, will be fine. He took 24 shots\u2014the ninth-most FGA in an NBA debut in league history\u2014 and knocked down just five of those attempts for 12 points. It\u2019s an ugly box score, and combined with a few head-scratching turnovers, added up to a rather forgettable debut, but he showed enough for Kings fans to be encouraged. Acuff had active hands on defense and flashed his elite ability to change speeds while driving to the hoop. Those shots will start falling. I\u2019m more concerned about Keegan Murray\u2019s dud of a game (two points, 1-of-8 shooting). Yikes. \u2014T.D.<\/p>\n<p>San Antonio Spurs<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5mh717vhw56srv01v.jpg\" alt=\"Victor Wembanyama\" title=\"Victor Wembanyama\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"r5\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Wemby had a rough start to his fourth NBA season.  | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-95\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"rb\">First game: Loss to Thunder<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-96\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"rg\">Takeaway: Despite what people may think, De\u2019Aaron Fox is still pretty darn good at basketball. Yes, the opener was a forgettable night for Victor Wembanyama. Fox was solid and a bright spot, though, with an efficient 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to two turnovers. He started next to fellow guards Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper and remained the Spurs\u2019 best offensive conductor. He dealt with an ankle sprain in the playoffs which impacted his performance and he can\u2019t be written off. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Toronto Raptors\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-98\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"rq\">First game: Win over Bulls<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-99\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"rv\">Takeaway: The defense is as frightening as expected. Holding the Bulls to 92 points on opening night is a quality performance, even if Chicago isn\u2019t exactly overflowing with firepower. But forcing 27 turnovers is more of a reflection of Toronto\u2019s personnel and the heights they can collectively reach as a disruptive defensive unit. Everyone in the rotation sticks to their man like glue and boast lightning quick hands that are always prepared to pick an opponent\u2019s pocket. If the Raptors can force turnovers at or near a league-high rate this season it will offset the remaining concerns about the offense\u2019s shooting and spacing that even Kawhi Leonard can\u2019t fix on his own. A very encouraging start in that regard. \u2014L.M. <\/p>\n<p>Utah Jazz<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-101\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"s5\">First game: Loss to Grizzlies<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-102\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"sa\">Takeaway: Jaren Jackson Jr. has to be better if the Jazz want to get back to winning ways. Utah traded for the former DPOY at the deadline and, in his return to Memphis, Jackson Jr. showed why the Grizzlies traded him. He fouled out in 28 minutes and pulled down all of five rebounds while his team got hammered on the glass. Without a real starting-caliber center to play alongside (Jaxson Hayes is fine but decidedly not that) the Jazz need JJJ to step up on the glass\u2014and they certainly didn\u2019t give up multiple first-round picks for him to keep struggling with foul trouble in his ninth NBA season. Everyone on the roster must take a step forward to seriously compete this season and that includes Jackson Jr. \u2014L.M. <\/p>\n<p>MANNIX: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/jazz\/jazz-finally-entering-season-with-expectations-will-hardy-ready-for-leap\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Jazz Are Finally Entering a Season With Expectations. Will Hardy Is Ready for the Leap.<\/a>Washington Wizards<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-105\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"sp\">First game: Win over Bucks<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-106\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"su\">Takeaway: I like this Wizards team! Anthony Davis and Trae Young are absolutely a dynamic duo, they just need to stay on the court. It was an off night for Trae shooting-wise, but he still finished with 20 points and 13 assists to just one turnover. Davis was dominant with 34 points and 12 rebounds to lead all scorers. Plus, the pair shot a whopping 30 free throws\u2014just the two of them! Kyshawn George was really good, too, and Bilal Coulibaly shined as a tough defender. The scariest part? Top pick AJ Dybantsa didn\u2019t even play due to a sprained ankle. We\u2019ll see if it lasts over the course of the season and Washington\u2019s first game was admittedly against the lowly Bucks, but the Wizards could be good immediately. \u2014B.S.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-108\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"t3\">Listen to SI\u2019s NBA podcast, Open Floor, below or on<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/open-floor-sis-nba-show\/id1050847009\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Apple<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0Bgxp9XcFMTysIDB5mC04P\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Spotify<\/a>. Watch the show on<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLRxhb-2QRi1DlpVi8D3zH7WzJgtZXo72g\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> SI\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\" class=\"shrink-0\"\/>Add us as a preferred source on Google<a aria-label=\"Follow si.com on Google News\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" preventdefault:click=\"\" class=\"flex h-[30px] w-[30px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-primary font-group-large text-sm font-medium text-white transition-colors hover:bg-secondary focus:bg-secondary md:w-auto md:gap-2.5 md:px-4 md:py-[5px]\" on:click=\"q-BPnU_7su.js#s_lDqay9E5m5g[0]\" q:id=\"tf\">Follow<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Congratulations, everybody. We made it. The NBA season is officially underway! After a roller-coaster offseason that fueled all&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":938273,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[64,63,726,85],"class_list":["post-938272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-basketball","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-basketball","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/938272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=938272"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/938272\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/938273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=938272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=938272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=938272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}