13 Overreactions to the First Week of the Nba Season

Overreactions from the First Week of NBA Season

As we enter the second week of the 2025-26 NBA season, the league is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Despite the initial drama surrounding key players like Victor Wembanyama, the games on court have been nothing short of phenomenal. This column delves into some overreactions based on the first few games.

The Golden State Warriors as a Tier 1 Contender

Golden State Warriors are currently being viewed as a top-tier contender in this NBA season, even with their veteran players nearing the twilight of their careers. The team’s offense has been seamless so far, and key players like Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Draymond Green have shown signs of resilience on the court. Jonathan Kuminga, who had been under scrutiny due to his contract situation, is making a positive impact by focusing more on playing smart basketball.

Victor Wembanyama’s Dominant Start

The arrival of Victor Wembanyama in the NBA has undoubtedly created a buzz. His performances against Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets have been nothing short of spectacular. Wembanyama’s handling skills, touch, power, footwork, and body control are vastly improved from his rookie year.

His ability to read the floor and score at will, combined with his defensive prowess, make him a formidable player. The San Antonio Spurs’ chances of winning the title this season have been enhanced by Wembanyama’s dominant start.

Alperen Sengun: MVP Candidate?

While Alperen Sengun has shown flashes of brilliance, leading the Houston Rockets in offensive plays and significantly increasing his 3-point shooting, he still needs to find a balance between taking too many risks and playing smart. His opening night performance against Washington Wizards was impressive, but a poor showing in subsequent games highlights the challenges ahead. With Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard on the roster, Sengun has an opportunity to prove his worth as an MVP candidate.

Utah Jazz’s “Big Three” Making Waves

The Utah Jazz are off to a strong start with their “Big Three” players – Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Kyle Filipowski. Together, they have led the team in positive contributions and are setting a high bar for future games. Despite facing numerous challenges on and off the court, their combined effort has been a bright spot early in the season.

Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson’s performances have caught many by surprise, showcasing his potential as a cornerstone player for the Atlanta Hawks. His ability to make difficult plays look effortless and his physicality on both ends of the court have made him a key player in the Eastern Conference. The possibility of Johnson leading the conference in triple-doubles this season is not out of the question.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards needs to elevate his game during crunch time if he wants to be considered for MVP awards and scoring titles. Last year, Minnesota struggled with offensive production in critical moments, which could be a key area of improvement this season. Edwards will need to refine his midrange shooting and decision-making skills to carry the Timberwolves effectively.

Philadelphia 76ers’ Struggles

The Philadelphia 76ers are experiencing mixed fortunes with Joel Embiid’s injury issues overshadowing Tyrese Maxey’s stellar performances. The team faces a challenging season balancing their expensive and talented roster while navigating the unpredictable nature of injuries.

Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg’s rookie debut has been underwhelming, particularly given his current situation with limited space on the court. His development will depend heavily on how Jason Kidd adjusts his rotation to better suit his playing style.

The Clippers’ Starting Five Dilemma

Kris Dunn’s presence in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Clippers is seen as a potential solution to their defensive woes. However, staggering him with Bradley Beal might be a more effective strategy considering their bench strength and offensive needs.

Full-Court Pressure Returns

The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder’s full-court pressure defenses from last season are back in force. These strategies have proven to be disruptive and effective, creating challenges for opposing teams’ point guards.

As the NBA season progresses, these early overreactions will undoubtedly evolve into more informed assessments. The next few weeks will reveal which of these initial impressions hold up under the pressure of a full season.