by The opening week of the 2025-26 NBA season has already delivered fireworks.
Some teams are showing championship potential, while others are struggling to find their rhythm.
From Oklahoma City’s dominance to the Spurs’ stunning rise, several squads have wasted no time making headlines.
It’s early, but the first impressions are hard to ignore.
Which Teams Are Making Early Statements in the 2025-26 NBA Season?
Let’s take a closer look at which teams are setting the tone for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Champions Still Look Unstoppable
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have started 3-0 and look as dangerous as ever.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has picked up right where he left off, looking like both an MVP favorite and the league’s most clutch performer. His 55-point explosion against Indiana set the tone for a team that refuses to let up.
Even without Jalen Williams, who’s recovering from a wrist injury, the Thunder haven’t missed a beat. Chet Holmgren’s evolution has been remarkable. He’s shown polish on both ends, scoring efficiently while protecting the rim.
Oklahoma City’s bench, featuring Aaron Wiggins and rookie Ajay Mitchell, has provided consistent energy and scoring. With balance, depth, and confidence, the Thunder are proving their championship run was no fluke.
San Antonio Spurs: Wembanyama’s Arrival Has Redefined Everything
The San Antonio Spurs are the biggest story so far. At 3-0, they’ve turned heads behind the transcendent play of Victor Wembanyama.
After an offseason spent honing his focus and conditioning, including a stint at the Shaolin Temple, Wembanyama looks like an entirely new force.
His 40-point, 15-rebound, and 3-block performance in the opener against Dallas was jaw-dropping.
Beyond the numbers, it’s how he’s doing it — handling the ball, creating off the dribble, and knocking down step-back threes.
Rookie guard Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper have also impressed, blending into the system with poise and creativity.
Under Mitch Johnson’s leadership, San Antonio’s balance of youth and structure suggests this team’s surge might be real.
New York Knicks: A Different Kind of Offense Brings Hope
The New York Knicks’ early performance has hinted at something new. Their 3-1 start shows progress under coach Mike Brown’s redesigned offense, which emphasizes ball movement and spacing.
New York now ranks among the league’s best in passes per game, a stark contrast from last year’s isolation-heavy approach, a trend that’s also reflected in shifting NBA odds as analysts take note of their improved efficiency.
Jalen Brunson remains the steady hand, but it’s the supporting cast that’s making the difference. The Knicks’ perimeter shooting and defensive rebounding have been reliable, and their willingness to share the ball is translating into wins.
While Mitchell Robinson’s ongoing absence raises questions, this version of the Knicks feels more mature and less predictable.
Golden State Warriors: A Veteran Squad With Fresh Energy
Golden State’s early stretch has been encouraging. At 2-1, the Warriors look rejuvenated and cohesive, even as their roster skews older. Stephen Curry continues to defy logic, delivering clutch shots and leadership that keep this group competitive.
Jonathan Kuminga’s emergence might be the most positive storyline for Golden State. Once seen as inconsistent, he’s now one of their most dependable two-way players. His patience and discipline have elevated the team’s versatility.
The challenge for coach Steve Kerr will be maintaining health over the grind of the season, but the first week suggests this group still has plenty left in the tank.
Denver Nuggets: Jokic’s Machine Keeps Rolling
The Denver Nuggets have started 1-1, but their performance remains elite.
Nikola Jokic opened the season with consecutive triple-doubles, showing his usual mix of scoring, playmaking, and composure.
What’s new is the shooting from Aaron Gordon, whose field goal percentage is around 68% through the first few games.
For those following NBA game predictions and stats, Denver continues to play smart, efficient basketball, ranking among the top offenses in both pace and shot quality.
While the team hasn’t yet hit full stride, their upcoming stretch of games provides an opportunity to rack up wins.
The defending Western Conference champions remain one of the most well-balanced teams in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers: Finding Ways to Win Without Their Stars
The Lakers’ 2-1 record doesn’t tell the full story. Injuries to Luka Doncic and LeBron James have forced role players to step up, and Austin Reaves has seized the moment with a stunning 51-point game against Sacramento.
Deandre Ayton’s effort level has been the difference between wins and losses. When he’s active in pick-and-roll sets, the Lakers’ offense flows much better.
The question now is whether they can sustain momentum without their two leaders. For a team juggling early adversity, Los Angeles is holding steady.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis on an MVP Mission
If anyone needed a reminder of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s greatness, the first week provided it. The Bucks’ superstar opened strong with dominant all‑around performances and elite efficiency.
His relentless attack has powered Milwaukee to a 2-1 start and restored belief in their championship potential.
The concern lies in the fit alongside Myles Turner, as their defensive spacing has occasionally faltered.
Still, Milwaukee’s improved three-point accuracy and interior dominance keep them among the East’s elite.
With Giannis in this form, few teams can match their intensity.
Philadelphia 76ers: Grit, Youth, and a Little Bit of Magic
At 2-0, the 76ers have impressed through resilience and clutch execution. Joel Embiid is easing into his minutes, but Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe have stolen the show.
Maxey’s 68 points across two games highlight his scoring burst, while Edgecombe’s 34-point debut was one of the most exciting rookie starts in years.
The Sixers’ chemistry looks genuine, and their late-game composure has been a pleasant surprise.
They’re not dominating opponents, but they’re winning close games, a mark of a team that knows how to finish.
A Season Already Full of Storylines
One week in, the NBA landscape is buzzing.
The Thunder and Spurs are setting the pace in the West, while the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Bucks look ready to challenge for control of the East.
The Warriors are proving that experience still matters, and the Bulls are an early feel-good story.
It’s far too early to draw long-term conclusions, but the first impressions from the 2025-26 season show a league overflowing with parity and star power.
If this opening week is any indication, basketball fans are in for a thrilling year where any given night can reshape the narrative.
*Content reflects information available as of 28/10/2025; subject to change.
