The new NBA season has just begun, yet three teams have already made their mark. Their impressive starts have caught attention across the league, hinting at serious playoff potential.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Lakers, despite being undermanned, have been playing solid basketball lately with their revamped offense. They rank in the top five in offensive rating, including top three in points off turnovers, fourth in points in the paint, and first in field goal percentage.
Doncic and Reaves have been a big part of that success. Doncic is nearly averaging a triple-double, putting up 41.3 points on 50% shooting from the field, while Reaves is adding 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting, along with a career-best 9.3 assists per game. DominAyton is also making his presence felt, averaging his best scoring numbers in his last three seasons. The entire team has stepped up as well, with six different Lakers scoring at least 25 points in a game this season.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The Spurs are on a whole different level to start the season, with Victor Wembanyama leading the charge. He’s become the first player in franchise history to open a season with five straight 20-point, 10-rebound games. He also currently leads the league in defensive rebounds and blocks, anchoring the Spurs on both ends of the floor. Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle has also impressed, averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists — one of only 17 players in the league to post those numbers. Rookie guard Dylan Harper is making his mark as well, ranking fourth among rookies in scoring (14.0 PPG) and second in assists. With four other players averaging double figures, the Spurs have stormed to a franchise-best 5-0 start.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
The Blazers have been a surprisingly good team this conference, ranking inside the top 10 in points and three-pointers made while leading the league in steals. They also began the season with one of the toughest schedules, facing playoff-caliber opponents in seven of their first eight games. But they delivered with impressive wins over the Lakers, Warriors, Nuggets, and just recently gave the OKC Thunder their first loss of the season. Their losses have all been close, with an average margin of just six points, showing how competitive the team is.
Deni Avdija is on a breakout run, averaging 24 points while also putting up solid multi-category numbers. Jrue Holiday, who won a championship in each of his previous two teams, is thriving with the same role on offense, recording a reliable 17.4 points while putting up his best assist numbers in his last seven seasons. Donovan Clingan has also played a key role in their inside game, almost putting up a double-double, while Jerami Grant is their steadying presence, recording 20 points per game off the bench.
