NBA Week 1 Recap: The Greatest Performances

Joel Piton
Oct 28, 2025
6 min read

By Joel Piton · 10/17/25 · Sportz Nation

The 2025–26 NBA season tipped off with a bang, and Week 1 wasted no time reminding fans why basketball is the most electric show in sports. From established stars putting up monster stat lines to rising names forcing their way into the spotlight, the league delivered highlight after highlight across the opening slate of games. It wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about statement performances, breakout moments, and early-season fireworks that set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a thrilling campaign. Let’s break down the greatest performances from Week 1.

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1. Victor Wembanyama

40 Points, 15 Rebounds, 3 Blocks

vs. DAL (10/22)

Wemby wasted no time setting the tone for his third-year campaign. In the very first game of the season, he torched rookie Cooper Flagg's debut with a dominant 40-point, 15-rebound, 3-block performance on an absurd 15-of-21 shooting. From the opening tip, he looked utterly unguardable—stretching the floor, punishing defenders inside, and protecting the rim with ease. It was the kind of outing that felt less like a highlight and more like a warning shot for the rest of the league, a clear foreshadow of what’s to come this season.

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2. Austin Reaves

51 Points, 11 Rebounds, 9 Assists, 21/22 FTM

vs. Kings (10/26)

With no LeBron James or Luka available, the Lakers needed someone to take command: and Reaves answered with the game of his life. He nearly posted a 50-point triple-double, finishing with 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists in a gritty 127–120 win over the Kings. While his scoring load came under some scrutiny—just 12 made field goals alongside an incredible 21-of-22 at the free-throw line—Reaves’ ability to draw contact, control the pace, and keep the Lakers afloat was undeniable. Criticism aside, it was a statement night that proved he can carry the torch when the stars sit.

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3. Aaron Gordon

50 Points, 10/11 Three-Pointers, 8 Rebounds

vs. GSW (10/23)

Even in defeat, Gordon etched his name into the history books with one of the most efficient shooting displays the league has ever seen. On Stephen Curry’s home floor, Gordon erupted for 50 points while drilling an outrageous 10-of-11 from three, setting a new standard for precision from deep. His 10 makes tied Terry Rozier’s mark for the most threes in a season opener, while his 50-point outburst shattered Alex English’s franchise record (47) for the highest-scoring debut game in Nuggets history. It was a performance that no one would have expected from Gordon, who's never averaged more than 17 points across a season. This is one fans won’t soon forget.

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4. Stephen Curry

42 Points, 7 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 3 Steals

vs. DEN (10/23)

If Gordon’s fireworks weren’t enough, Curry made sure the home crowd left with a reminder of who still runs Chase Center. The 37-year-old guard poured in 42 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals on an efficient 14-of-25 shooting, leading the Warriors to a statement win. What makes it remarkable isn’t just the stat line—it’s that Curry continues to perform at an All-NBA level deep into his late 30s, outpacing Father Time with every step-back three and every burst of brilliance. The Warriors may be evolving, but with their captain still playing like this, they remain a force.

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5. Luka Doncic

49 Points, 11 Rebounds, 8 Assists

vs. MIN (10/24)

Luka wasted no time reminding the league why he’s one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in basketball. In just the second game of the season, he followed up his opening-night forty-piece with another gem: 49 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 128–110 win over the Timberwolves. Averaging north of 40 points through his first two outings, he looked poised for an early MVP surge. Unfortunately, a hand and leg injury will sideline him for the next couple of weeks—a frustrating pause to what was shaping up to be a historic start.

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6. V.J. Edgecombe

34 Points, 7 Rebounds, 3 Assists

vs. BOS (10/22)

Few rookies step onto an NBA floor and look like they belong right away, but Edgecombe wasted no time making history. In his first-ever NBA game, he exploded for 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, attacking the rim fearlessly and shooting with authority. His 34 points set a new Sixers franchise record for the most in a debut, surpassing Allen Iverson’s 30, and ranked as the third-most points in an NBA debut all-time, trailing only Frank Selvy and Wilt Chamberlain. Edgecombe also surpassed LeBron James’ mark for most points in a debut quarter. It was the kind of entrance that announces not just potential, but arrival. V.J. is here to stay.

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7. Tyrese Maxey

40 Points, 7 Three Pointers, 6 Assists

vs. BOS (10/22)

Sharing the spotlight with Edgecombe, Maxey looked every bit the co-star Philadelphia has been waiting for. Finally healthy, he torched the Celtics with 40 points, 7 threes, and 6 assists in the Sixers’ home opener, showcasing an explosive scoring bag and improved playmaking. Paired with Edgecombe, this suddenly looks like one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league, brimming with offensive firepower. If the duo continues to build chemistry, the Eastern Conference may soon have a new backcourt ruling the throne.

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8.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

55 Points, 8 Rebounds, 23/26 FTM

vs. IND (10/23)

Whoever scheduled the defending champs against a Haliburton-less Pacers team in Game 2 of the season got more than they bargained for. In a double-overtime thriller, Shai carried the Thunder to a 141–135 win, dropping a career-best 55 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He got to the line, knocking down 23-of-26 free throws, which sparked the usual criticism of being a foul-baiter. But in a game with two extra periods, Shai’s relentless drives and ability to draw contact were exactly what kept Oklahoma City afloat. Stat-padding? Hardly. This was superstar willpower on full display.

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9. Lauri Markkanen

51 Points, 14 Rebounds

vs. PHX (10/27)

In an overtime thriller against the Suns, Lauri Markkanen went for 50 piece in a narrow loss. However, this was FAR from a let down for Jazz fans—Lauri's the first Utah Jazz Player to hit that 50 point mark since Karl Malone. The Finnish forward was an All-Star just a few years a go and it looks like he's gearing to run it back. Don't be fooled: with the Jazz being quiet underdogs this season, it gives them all the more fuel to prove you wrong.

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10. Anthony Edwards

41 Points, 7 Rebounds

vs. POR (10/22)

Edwards came out swinging in Minnesota’s opener, erupting for 41 points to power the Timberwolves past the Blazers. He’s been vocal all offseason about wanting this to be the Wolves’ breakout year, and his play backed it up from the jump—explosive drives, confident shooting, and the kind of leadership you expect from a budding superstar. Unfortunately, momentum may have just hit a snag, as Edwards Monday's game against the Pacers with an injury. We don't know it's severity, but for a team hungry to take the next step, his recovery will be the storyline to watch.

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11. Tyrese Maxey

43 Points, 8 Assists, 4 Rebounds

vs. ORL (10/27)

Maxey's reign of terror continues as he currently sits at 37 points per game following another 40 piece against the Orlando Magic Monday. In a gritty 136-124 game, the 76ers closed on a win without Embiid and Paul George, and Maxey's 43 point cinema pushed Philly to their first ever 3-0 start to a season since 2019. Not bad for a team missing two of it's stars. When PG-13 returns and Embiid gets off his minutes restriction, we could be looking at something really special.

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12.Giannis Antetokounmpo

40 Points, 14 Rebounds, 9 Assists

vs. CLE (10/26)

The Greek Freak looks locked in early, stacking MVP-caliber outings one after another. His latest showcase came against Cleveland, where he tallied 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists in a narrow 118–113 loss. As brilliant as he’s been, the reality for Milwaukee is sobering—Giannis is carrying the load with little help around him. His production screams All-NBA First Team but unless the Bucks surround him with more help, it may not be enough to keep pace with the East’s deeper contenders.

If this was just Week 1 of the NBA season, buckle up—because we’re in for a wild ride. From record-breaking debuts to top-tier superstar performances, the opening slate delivered everything a fan could ask for and more. If this is only the beginning, I have no words for the level of excitement still to come. Get ready, boys—this is shaping up to be a season to remember.