WEEK: 2 READ AND REACTIONS AROUND THE NBA
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (#5) brings the ball up the court.
Rhythm & Blues
We’re two weeks in, and I’m not overreacting—just reading the room. Austin Reaves already got his flowers throughout the week, Ja and Memphis are still trying to figure it out, and Ryan Rollins continues to remind people he belongs.
But here are five more things that stood out to me from around the league.
5. I Can Do Magic — Charlie Wilson Vibes in Orlando
The Orlando Magic sit at 3–4, 10th in the East, and somehow both promising and puzzling at the same time. After ranking first in defense but 28th in offense last season, the script has flipped — the offense has jumped to 15th while the defense has slipped, giving up 116 points per game. They’re improving where they were weakest, but the tradeoff has cost them their edge; now it’s about finding balance on both ends. Right now, it’s more like “presto-change-oh… where’d our defense go?”
Orlando Magic forwards Paolo Banchero (#5) and Franz Wagner (#22) celebrate during a timeout.
4. Luka Slims Down, Stats Go Up
Luka Doncic has turned the season into his own personal MyCareer mode, already notching three 40-point games and hasn’t missed a beat — even after sitting out three games with a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion. He’s averaging 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, leading the Lakers to a 6–2 start. Maybe the real story is what happens when you take your diet seriously — it’s the version of Luka we all imagined: sharper, leaner, and locked in like those early years when he first hit the league. Note to self: maybe those late-night meals really do matter.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (#77) smiles during a break in play.
3. Blazing Through the Chaos — Portland’s Tough Love Era
The Blazers are young, talented, and still learning the league’s hard lessons. They showed flashes late last season, and the addition of Jrue Holiday brings some much-needed leadership and stability — even if the box score doesn’t always reflect it. They’re 8th in scoring but near the bottom in rebounding, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting. Off the court, the noise around Chauncey Billups and the ongoing FBI allegations will continue to swirl. Still, every win matters in the Western Conference, and the young Blazers are figuring out what it takes to close games — especially ones like last night, when the Luka-, LeBron-, and Reaves-less Lakers came into their house and still walked away with the win. Those are the games you’ve got to learn how to take. But still, it’s an impressive young group that should continue to improve as the season goes on — well, at least that’s what I hope.
Portland Trail Blazers forwards Jerami Grant (#9), Deni Avdija (#8), and Toumani Camara (#33) huddle after the game.
2. The Joke’s Still on Us — Nikola Jokić Makes History
At this point, Nikola Jokić is just reprogramming what basketball looks like. He opened the season with four straight triple-doubles, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to ever pull that off. Denver looks even deeper this year with Cam Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, and the return of Bruce Brown. Christian Braun continues to get better on both ends of the floor, Aaron Gordon is playing like a seasoned vet, and Jamal Murray’s on pace to grab his first All-Star nod. It’s long overdue — assuming he can stay healthy. The Nuggets look every bit like real contenders.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) posts up New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1).
1. Greek Freak, New Beat — Giannis & the Bucks Flow
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to do what Giannis does — dominate. He’s averaging 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 68% from the field. The Bucks look balanced, with Myles Turner bringing rim protection and spacing that lets Giannis bulldoze the paint like it’s rush hour in Milwaukee. And despite all those early trade rumors swirling around the league, Giannis clearly didn’t get the memo — he’s not leaving… at least for the moment. For now, he’s too busy leading. The Bucks are 5–2 and trending up, and Giannis is still the most dominant player on the planet. Period.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34) reacts after a made basket against the New York Knicks.
That’s the read I got. What’s yours?
