The NBA opened its season with an electrifying week, showcasing standout performances and emerging talents. As of October 29, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain unbeaten with a remarkable record of 5-0, largely thanks to the exceptional play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The young star, who averaged 32.7 points per game last season, has already racked up 120 points in the first three games. His leadership and scoring prowess were on full display during a thrilling double-overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers, where he scored an impressive 55 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance is not just about scoring; he also demonstrated his ability to draw fouls, attempting a career-high 26 free throws and converting 23 of them. The Thunder’s strong start has fans speculating whether this could be the beginning of a dynasty, given the depth of their roster and their recent success.
Rookies Face Early Challenges and Triumphs
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are experiencing a rough start, currently struggling with offensive efficiency. They rank second to last in the 2025-26 NBA Offensive Rating with only 102.1 points per 100 possessions. Cooper Flagg, the youngest number one draft pick since LeBron James, is adapting to the point guard position and facing high expectations. The Mavs hope to regain momentum with the anticipated return of Kyrie Irving early in 2026. With a lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson, the Mavericks have the talent to turn their season around.
The San Antonio Spurs have also made headlines with the impressive play of rookie Dylan Harper, the second overall pick. Harper has been vital in the Spurs’ 4-0 start, showcasing his versatility and basketball intelligence. Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers are proud of VJ Edgecombe, whose 34-point debut marks the highest scoring debut since Wilt Chamberlain. Edgecombe’s ability to excel as both a playmaker and scorer adds depth to the 76ers’ lineup.
In a remarkable achievement, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets set a record for the most three-pointers made in the first five games of a season. His shooting efficiency has ignited the Hornets’ offense, while fellow rookies Ryan Kalkbrenner and Sion James are proving to be valuable assets.
Standout Players and Injury Setbacks
The Los Angeles Lakers witnessed an extraordinary performance from Austin Reaves, who scored 50 points against the Sacramento Kings. This achievement places him just three points shy of the highest scoring game by an undrafted player in NBA history. Reaves followed this with another stellar outing, scoring 41 points and becoming the only Laker since 2000 to achieve 50 or more points in a game. His contributions, including 16 assists in a recent matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, have made him a player to watch, especially with the support of veterans like LeBron James.
In contrast, the Indiana Pacers are grappling with significant challenges as star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the season due to an Achilles injury. This setback puts additional pressure on the remaining roster, leading the Pacers to sign guard Mac McClung under a hardship exception. The Boston Celtics face their own hurdles, missing superstar Jayson Tatum and relying heavily on Jaylen Brown as their primary scoring option. With Brown also dealing with a hamstring scare and the Celtics starting the season 0-3, critical decisions lie ahead.
As the NBA season unfolds, it is clear that thrilling storylines are emerging. With breakout candidates, team rebuilds, and intense rivalries, fans are poised for an exciting journey ahead. The upcoming in-season NBA Cup in late October promises to add more drama and excitement to what has already been a captivating start to the season.
