The NBA season has officially started, and a week in, it looks like we’re in store for not only some of the most impressive statistical performances we’ve ever seen but also the most competitive Western Conference race we’ve ever had. Oh, and let’s not forget about the FBI raid that led to the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former Miami Heat player Terry Rozier.
Victor Wembanyama has returned with a vengeance after a blood clot diagnosis cut his sophomore season short. He has become the first player ever to score more than 100 points and record 18 blocks in the first three games of a season. He is averaging 34.5 points, 13 rebounds and an astounding 6 blocks per game.
Luka Doncic spent his offseason losing weight and gaining muscle after a shocking in-season trade sent him from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, and you can tell the difference. Doncic has been known to get off to slow starts, working his way into shape throughout the season, but this year has been different. Through two games, he is averaging 46 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game. He is currently on track to compete for MVP and is doing everything possible to keep the Lakers afloat while they await the return of LeBron James, who is dealing with a sciatica injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is also having an MVP-level start to the season, though it has been slightly overshadowed by everything else happening throughout the league. Through three games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 36 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 2-1 record.
With all those impressive performances, it can be easy to forget just how good the games have been through one week. We’ve been treated to four overtime games, two of which went to double overtime and were played by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
While we are only three games into the season and it’s too early to react to records and standings. The NBA is an 82-game season, after all, we can still take a look at which teams have looked like early contenders. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Wembanyama, have convincingly won their first three games, and they are passing the eye test as a team that plays hard, can space the floor and has the superstars to lead them throughout the season.
The Thunder are the defending champs, and despite playing two double-overtime games, they look like a championship-caliber team with a chance to repeat. The Lakers and Golden State Warriors seem to have new life as well, with new-look rosters. They are quickly showing their championship DNA, playing strong basketball that has led both teams to 2-1 records to start the year. These teams look dangerous.
