The NBA is back!
A three-game slate opened the 2026-27 NBA season, and opening day certainly delivered. Here are some notables:
Paul George Makes Historic Celtics Debut… in a Loss
Newly minted Boston Celtics forward Paul George had a rousing debut for his new team, tallying 38 big points on 12-for-21 shooting overall and 7-for-12 from distance against the Detroit Pistons. He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals in a performance that reminded everyone he still has some game left, even at 36. George’s 38 is notable as it is the highest-scoring debut for any Celtic in history.
However, George’s brilliance went for naught as the Pistons unleashed a stunning 23-0 run down the stretch of the fourth quarter to complete a 22-point comeback en route to a 121-113 win. Jalen Duren, who signed a $200 million contract extension literally at the last minute, led Detroit with 22 points and 9 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 21.
LeBron James Makes History… Again
LeBron James just keeps making history and adding to his milestones. On Wednesday, when the Philadelphia 76ers took on the defending champion New York Knicks, James became the only player in NBA history to play 24 seasons. Coming in, he already held the record for most seasons played ever at 23, beating out Vince Carter’s 22 last season.
What’s more, LeBron helped Philly spoil ring night for the Knicks, 106-100, as he tallied 14 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block and was one of six Sixers in double figures. Tyrese Maxey’s 28 points led the charge, followed by Jaylen Brown’s 19 markers, 8 caroms, and 6 dimes.
Thunder Exact Some Revenge on Spurs
Capping off opening day in the NBA was a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the San Antonio Spurs, the team that ended their dreams of a title repeat.
In their first meeting since then, the Thunder got the better of their playoff conquerors, leaning on a commanding first half before defusing any and all Spurs rallies in the second. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred in the win, pouring in a game-high 32 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Fil-Am Jared McCain sparked OKC with 20 points off the bench as he made seven of his nine shots.
