NBA's Opening Month Reveals Early Season Shocks and Stellar Performances Across the League

The 2025-26 NBA season has officially completed its first month, providing a substantial dataset for initial assessments of team performances and individual player trajectories. Early trends indicate a significant shift in the league’s landscape, with established powerhouses either reaffirming their dominance or grappling with unexpected challenges, while several dark horses emerge as formidable contenders.

In the Western Conference, the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, have emphatically dismissed any notion of a "championship hangover," establishing a commanding 17-1 record. This dominant start places them comfortably atop the conference standings, prompting discussions among analysts regarding their potential to challenge the formidable 73-win regular-season record set by the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Their consistent high-level play, driven by their core of young stars, suggests a seamless transition from their championship campaign. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Washington Wizards have endured a historically difficult start, registering just one victory this season and facing the distinct possibility of completing the entire month of November without an additional win, underscoring their ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed a surprisingly strong start, posting a 12-4 record, largely fueled by the exceptional play of Luka Dončić. Following what has been described as a "transformative summer" focused on preparation and conditioning, Dončić has entered the season in peak form, currently leading the league in scoring. His early season dominance has been particularly crucial given the absence of LeBron James, who made his season debut on November 18 after recovering from sciatica. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have emerged as a dominant force, compiling an impressive 14-2 record, while the New York Knicks, despite a respectable 9-6 start, have not achieved the commanding presence many anticipated. Their struggles are particularly evident on the road, where they hold a 1-5 record, coupled with a defense that ranks 18th in the league. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have dramatically increased their three-point attempts, averaging 43.0 per game—a significant departure from the Tom Thibodeau era. While converting these at a decent 36.6% clip, defensive lapses continue to hinder their overall effectiveness.

This initial four-plus weeks of the season has produced numerous standout narratives, prompting a closer look at several key superlatives.

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Most Likely to Win His First MVP: Luka Dončić

Luka Dončić has positioned himself as a primary contender for his inaugural MVP award. While facing stiff competition from perennial candidates such as Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dončić’s early season performance has been nothing short of sensational. He leads the league in scoring and is demonstrating an efficiency and engagement level not seen since his 2024 campaign, where he finished third in MVP voting. Dončić has already recorded four games with 40 or more points and is consistently flirting with triple-double averages. Unlike previous seasons where he typically used the first two months to round into shape, Dončić entered the 2025-26 season appearing motivated and already in midseason form. His production has remained unwavering even with the return of LeBron James, indicating the Lakers’ strategic decision to entrust Dončić with the primary playmaking responsibilities. With current MVP odds at +400 on FanDuel, placing him third overall, sustained production combined with the Lakers securing a top-four seed in the Western Conference would make his MVP case exceedingly difficult to overlook.

Most Surprising Team: Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have undeniably been the most surprising team of the young season, currently holding a 12-5 record and riding an impressive seven-game winning streak. Their November schedule has included significant victories over formidable Eastern Conference opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and two wins against the Philadelphia 76ers, signaling their readiness to compete. The Raptors boast the fifth-best offense in the league, a testament to the seamless integration and chemistry of their core trio: Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes. This combination has not only fueled their high-scoring output but also contributed to a robust defense that ranks seventh in the league, notably allowing the third-lowest three-point percentage to opponents. Toronto appears to be capitalizing on a perceived weakening of the Eastern Conference, establishing themselves as a legitimate threat without the significant fanfare often afforded to other contenders.

Most Disappointing Team: Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers, widely recognized as the oldest team in the league, have endured a profoundly disappointing start, reflected in their 5-12 record. This has been further exacerbated by the recent season-ending injury to Bradley Beal, who suffered a fractured hip. While Beal’s absence is significant, the team’s struggles predate his injury, with a bottom-tier offense and an equally concerning defense. Kawhi Leonard’s absence for 10 games certainly contributed to their woes, but even when healthy, the team managed only a 3-3 record to open the season. Veteran guard James Harden, at 36 years old, has shouldered an immense burden, ranking 10th in the league in minutes played and exhibiting his highest usage rate and points per game since his tenure with the Houston Rockets. This heavy workload raises questions about its sustainability over a full season. Given the "championship or bust" expectations typically associated with the Clippers’ star-laden roster, their current performance represents a massive underachievement.

Top ‘How Did He Do That?!’ Play: Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama continues to redefine expectations for a player of his stature, regularly producing moments that leave spectators and opponents alike in awe. His unique combination of height, length, and guard-like skills allows him to execute plays—from improbable blocks to fluid offensive maneuvers—that often elicit the question, "How did he do that?!" While a comprehensive highlight reel of his early season exploits would be extensive, his "extraterrestrial" plays have consistently been a focal point. Unfortunately, Wembanyama is now sidelined for several weeks due to a calf strain, an injury that could potentially impact his candidacy for end-of-season awards.

Biggest Overachiever: Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls began the season with a surprising burst of success, embarking on a five-game winning streak that briefly propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. This initial surge led some to prematurely declare a resurgence for the franchise. However, their performance has since regressed, with the team posting a 4-7 record in their subsequent 11 games, dropping them to seventh in the East. Their early success appears to have stemmed from catching opponents off guard, but as the league settled into its rhythm, their defensive deficiencies, now ranking 20th overall, became apparent. Despite this regression, individual positives have emerged: Josh Giddey is performing at an All-Star level, Matas Buzelis is flourishing with a significantly expanded role compared to his rookie season, and Ayo Dosunmu is making a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year. While the Bulls are demonstrating improved functionality compared to the previous three seasons, their overall trajectory suggests they are a fun, young team with upside rather than a serious disruptive force in the Eastern Conference.

Disgruntled Star Most Likely to Get Traded: Ja Morant

The Memphis Grizzlies’ early season has been marked by significant internal turmoil, primarily centered around star guard Ja Morant. The first four weeks saw Morant engage in a public dispute with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo, leading to a one-game suspension imposed by the Grizzlies. Further complicating matters, Morant publicly stated that he had "lost his joy for basketball." These incidents, combined with the Grizzlies’ underwhelming 6-11 record, have reportedly prompted the franchise to explore the trade market for their mercurial star. While an immediate landing spot might be challenging given his inconsistent play this season and his well-documented checkered history, the possibility of a trade by the February deadline looms large if the team’s performance and Morant’s disposition do not show significant improvement.

Best ‘Third-Year Leap’ Guy: Keyonte George

Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz has made a remarkable "third-year leap," firmly establishing himself as the team’s franchise point guard. He is currently averaging career-highs across the board with 22.8 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Beyond raw statistics, George has demonstrated exceptional efficiency, particularly in his finishing at the rim and mid-range game. He converts an impressive 74% of his shots at the rim, placing him in the 84th percentile among combo guards, a figure that surpasses even elite scorers like Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell, according to Cleaning the Glass data. His mid-range shooting is equally impressive at 48%, outpacing accomplished mid-range specialists such as Devin Booker. George’s development extends beyond scoring, with significant improvements in his shot selection, court vision, and facilitation, transforming him into a balanced guard capable of both distributing and scoring at a high level.

Most Underrated Rookie: Derik Queen

In a draft class featuring several high-profile talents, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing and underrated prospects. The 6-foot-10 big man showcases a unique skillset that blurs the lines between a traditional big and a modern playmaker. In a recent close loss against the Dallas Mavericks, Queen delivered an impressive performance of 20 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. What distinguishes Queen is his exceptional court vision and passing prowess, qualities rarely seen in players of his size outside of Nikola Jokić and Alperen Sengun. His 5.4 assists over the last five games rank fourth among all big men, trailing only Jokić, Sengun, and Nic Claxton. These are not merely incidental assists from dribble handoffs or desperate kick-outs; Queen actively quarterbacks the offense from the perimeter, calling for screens, initiating drives, and delivering precise passes to open shooters. Since being upgraded to the starting lineup for the last five contests, Queen has averaged 17.6 points, eight rebounds, and 5.4 assists, shooting 49.2% from the field. A healthy frontcourt featuring Queen and Zion Williamson could pose a significant and challenging threat to opponents across the league.

Most Drama-Filled Team: Dallas Mavericks

Despite their disappointing 5-13 record, the Dallas Mavericks have dominated headlines during the initial month of the season due to a cascade of organizational drama. The most significant event was the firing of former general manager Nico Harrison, a move widely considered overdue. This decision was reportedly prompted, in part, by fan chants of "Fire Nico" during a critical moment when Mavericks forward PJ Washington was shooting potential game-tying free throws in a loss to the Bucks, ultimately spurring team governor Patrick Dumont into action. In the wake of Harrison’s dismissal, the franchise has been embroiled in a flurry of trade rumors, with discussions involving prominent players such as Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell, suggesting that virtually every player not named Cooper Flagg could be available. On a brighter note, rookie Cooper Flagg has begun to live up to his billing as a "generational star" in recent games, providing a much-needed spark amidst the team’s ongoing turmoil. This dramatic start contrasts sharply with the team’s NBA Finals appearance just two seasons prior, highlighting a swift and turbulent decline.

Worst NBA Cup Court: Minnesota Timberwolves

Among the various aesthetic innovations introduced for the inaugural NBA Cup, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ court design has garnered widespread criticism for its visually jarring appearance. The court’s exceedingly bright green hue not only strains the eyes of viewers but also casts an unnatural green tint onto the players during live game action. While the league’s intention to inject "fun flair" into the NBA Cup concept is understandable, this particular design represents an unfortunate misstep. There is a prevailing sentiment among fans and observers that this specific court design should be retired and not seen again beyond the group stage of the tournament.