WEEK 1-Read and Reactions From opening week in the NBA
Tyrese Maxey (0) of the Philadelphia 76ers drives past Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26).
A Fantastic Voyage Start to the NBA Season
The season is young. I may be overreacting, but then again, that’s kind of the point. These updates are meant to catch the emotion of the moment—whether it’s instant reaction or a few days to relax and reflect. It’s been a fantastic voyage start to the NBA season. Rest in peace to our good brother Coolio.
Here are my top 10 reactions from Week 1.
10. Rockets and Mavericks: Talent Meets Timing
Both teams have the pieces—star power, size, and depth—but neither has that true floor general to settle things down, especially late in games. Houston’s missing Fred VanVleet after his ACL tear, and in his absence it showed early in Week 1. Dallas is waiting on Kyrie, who’s expected back around January. Until then, Cooper Flagg’s getting his run and Amen Thompson’s stacking his reps. They’ll both get it together, but it’s something to watch out for.
Kevin Durant (7) and Alperen Şengün (28) of the Houston Rockets exchange a handshake.
9. FBI Allegations: A Quick Timeout
The story had to be reported because it briefly interrupted what was otherwise a smooth start to the NBA season. I don’t know the details, but it’s all connected to illegal gambling — that’s the headline that cut through a week full of highlights. That’s what’s been said, that’s what we know. Now back to minding my business.
FBI Director Kash Patel makes a statement on an arrest connected to an ongoing illegal gambling investigation.
8. Warriors: The Veteran Blueprint
Golden State looks like they remembered who they are. The preseason rhythm carried right into Week 1, and Al Horford—one of the respected Uncs of the league—continues to show his value as a floor spacer and locker-room stabilizer. Curry, Buddy, Jimmy, Big Al, and Draymond on the same floor, that’s a basketball IQ clinic waiting to happen.
Stephen Curry (30), Buddy Hield (7), and Al Horford (20) of the Golden State Warriors stand together during a break.
7. Stream Team Struggles
I’m still figuring out my game-watching setup. League Pass on one remote, Prime on another, Peacock somewhere in between—it’s not exactly smooth. I’m sure they’ll get it figured out, but right now it feels like a scavenger hunt. Prime might need to tone down that brightness too; Knicks vs. Lakers looked like a highlighter convention. But “Roundball Rock”? Still a classic. Love hearing legends like, Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steve Nash break the game down. Still waiting on Michael Joran to hit the studio though—that pre-recorded interview feel like summer reruns.
NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver.
6. Scoring Outages or Scoring Showcases?
Week 1 gave us a fireworks show. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 55, Austin Reaves went for 51 and then doubled up his performance with 41, Lauri Markkanen poured in 51 — Utah’s first 50-point performance since Karl Malone back in 1998 — Aaron Gordon scored 50, Luka Doncic had two 40-point games, Tyrese Maxey added two 40s, and Stephen Curry joined the club with 40, along with others who made scoring look effortless. Trainers everywhere are smiling like proud professors, watching the art of offense at its finest.
Lauri Markkanen (23) of the Utah Jazz rises for a jumper over Phoenix Suns defenders.
5. Thunder Rolls
Oklahoma City opened the season 4-0, the first team in NBA history to start back-to-back games in double OT. SGA continues to prove the last two seasons weren’t a fluke. That man’s pace and poise are elite. This team might be the deepest in the league—and maybe the best dressed too, depending on your taste. Their confidence is loud, but so is their chemistry.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives past Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1).
4. Sixers and Maxey: Certified Hooper Status
Tyrese Maxey’s not waiting for a co-star—he’s writing his own season. Two 40-point games out the gate, and Philly’s 3-0 to start. He’s hooping with freedom and precision, and the city’s feeding off it. Embiid joked about spending more time with family if he’s only playing 20 minutes a night—fair point, but that contract says otherwise. VJ Edgecombe off to a strong start as well; it’s early, but the rookie looks like a Rookie of the Year favorite. We’ll see…
VJ Edgecombe (77) celebrates with Tyrese Maxey (0).
Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley on set for Inside the NBA.
3. Inside the NBA: Never Change
There was a lot of speculation from fans about what the show would look like, what it would be, and what ESPN would even allow after the big changes. Well, this is what it looks like — and it feels right. Same picture, same laughs, same chemistry. There’s comfort in consistency, and that crew delivers it every time. They’re like your favorite meal — you know exactly what you’re getting, and it still hits every single time. Everyone wins.
Nikola Vučević (9), Isaac Okoro (35), Josh Giddey (3), and Kevin Huerter (13) of the Chicago Bulls walk together on the court.
2. Bulls: Early Energy in the East
Chicago came out swinging at 3-0. I’m not calling them the favorites to win the East—just the favorites after Week 1. The NBA’s better when the Bulls matter. Wins over Detroit, Orlando, and Atlanta—all playoff-caliber squads—show early balance. Top 10 in threes, fifth in assists, seventh in rebounds—those are categories you build around if you want to stick around.
Victor Wembanyama (1), Julian Champagnie (30), Devin Vassell (24), and Stephon Castle (5) of the San Antonio Spurs huddle during a timeout.
1. Wemby Is Here
San Antonio’s growth is undeniable. Two years ago they could hang for two, maybe three quarters, but now they’re competing — and winning — going 4-0 on the week. Wemby’s performance against Dallas felt straight out of Space Jam — only this time, the Mavericks were the ones getting their powers taken. Devin Vassell looks like he’s leveled up, and Stephon Castle’s already proving to be the perfect sidekick. The Wemby tour is officially underway, buckle up.
That’s the read I got. What’s yours?
