Plot Twists: The 10 Best NBA Surprises So Far
Every pre-season model had a plan. Only some teams have executed. And success always ends up coming down to a few key things. Maybe it's good team chemistry, phenomenal game planning, or a marquee player who decides it's HIS year. As for this season? It's been the latter.
We spent all summer predicting how your favorite teams and players would do this season. Then the lights went up, the games got real, and certain players decided to blow up the script. 50 point performances, scoring records broken, the opening leg of this NBA season hasn’t just been unpredictable—it’s been downright chaotic.
Here are the ten biggest positive surprises shredding expectations and rewriting history so far this season.
Is Stephen Curry 38, or 28 Again?
At 38 years old, Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time, aging like fine wine and showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. The two-time MVP is averaging 31 points per game, 4 dimes and 4 assists on 49% from the field and 44% from three while playing fewer than 30 minutes a night, an almost unfathomable level of production for someone approaching his 40s. For context, Curry's unanimous MVP season saw him average 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists while shooting 50-40-90 splits in 34.2 minutes a night, and that was a decade ago.
Against all odds, the Golden State Warriors are off to a 7–3 start, playing cohesive, winning basketball with Curry at the helm and looking every bit like a legitimate playoff contender. On November 7, Curry delivered yet another sublime performance, erupting for 41 points, six rebounds and six assists in a 126–119 overtime victory over the Orlando Magic. In the process, he surpassed LeBron James for the most 40-point games by a player aged 35 or older in NBA history, with 16. At an age when most superstars are well past their prime, Curry somehow remains one of the most electrifying and productive players in basketball.
Yax & Acuff: Two Rookies, One Historic Start
The 2026–27 NBA rookie class has been nothing short of spectacular. We knew Darryn Peterson would go out and knock down tough shots. We knew Caleb Wilson had the potential to become the face of the Bulls. What we DIDN'T anticipate was Darius Acuff Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg taking the league by storm this early.
Acuff, just 19 years old, is averaging an astonishing 26 points per game for the Sacramento Kings, emerging as one of the most prolific teenage scorers in NBA history. On October 31, he erupted for a career-high 38 points and nine three-pointers against the Memphis Grizzlies, setting an NBA record for the most threes made in a single game by a teenager. He also became the youngest player in Kings franchise history to record consecutive 30-point performances, surpassing a record previously held by Oscar Robertson. Acuff's shot selection, efficiency and high-volume shooting have drawn criticism, but there's no denying that we're witnessing the makings of a historic rookie campaign.
As for Lendeborg? The 24-year-old entered the league facing questions about his age, limited upside and supposedly low ceiling. Instead, he hasn't just looked NBA-ready; he's looked like a star. With Kristaps stepping away from basketball and Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody battling injuries, Lendeborg has been a revelation for a Golden State Warriors team that was written off before the season even began. Averaging 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists, the 6'9" wing has done a little bit of everything, giving Warriors fans plenty of reasons to believe in. His 87 points through his first four games were the most by a Warriors rookie since Wilt Chamberlain.
If these opening weeks are any indication, both Acuff and Lendeborg could be headed for truly special rookie seasons.
Ty Jerome Has Officially Lost His Mind
Ty Jerome might not be human. After appearing in limited action last season but posting a career-high 19 points per game, the journeyman "role-player" guard was destined to have a moderate breakout campaign in Memphis. I predicted Jerome would flourish individually while navigating what was going to be a treacherous Grizzlies rebuild. Instead? Memphis has stormed out to a 6–3 record, briefly sat atop the NBA standings, and has handed Jerome the keys to the offense. Ty Jerome has responded by putting up a staggering 26 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds per game on 50% shooting from the field, looking every bit like an All-Star caliber guard.
And the records are already piling up. Jerome became the first player in Grizzlies history to register multiple 40-point performances within the first 10 games of a season, while also setting the franchise record for points scored in a season opener. Through his first three games alone, he amassed 104 points and 17 assists, becoming just the second player in Memphis history to reach the 100-point mark that quickly. He's also leading the entire NBA in pick-and-roll scoring and points generated off drives. From a journeyman fighting for minutes to the engine of one of the NBA's hottest teams, Jerome's transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
New Age Showtime Lakers?
This is less of a surprise and more of a best case scenario. A new variant of Showtime Lakers have arrived, and they've have been nothing short of spectacular to open the season. Leading the charge is Luka Doncic, who's putting up video game numbers, averaging an absurd 40 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists per game. On November 6th, Doncic torched the Portland Trail Blazers for 53 points, marking his second 50-point explosion of the young season. He also joined George Mikan, Kobe Bryant and Elgin Baylor as the only players in Lakers franchise history to score at least 40 points in four consecutive games. But the scary part? Luka isn't doing it alone.
Walker Kessler has been a revelation since arriving in Los Angeles, making a triumphant return from injury with 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks on a perfect 12-for-12 shooting in his Lakers debut. The big man is averaging 14 points and 2.5 blocks while shooting nearly 70% from the field, providing the Lakers with the perfect true five. As for AR-15? He continues to prove that he's on the up-and-up. I maintained that Reaves could have been an All-Star last season had he stayed healthy, and he's picking up right where he left off, averaging 25 points, four assists and three rebounds as Luka's Robin. He erupted for 43 points in a victory over the Detroit Pistons to advance in the NBA Emirates Cup with Luka sidelined, proving he's more than capable of carrying the offensive load himself. With three players exceeding expectations in their respective roles, the Lakers are looking like a gifted contender.
Wemby Is Taking Over
How this guy manages to exceed expectations at his level is beyond me. We know Wemby's a phenom destined for greatness, but what he's doing to open the season has been otherworldly. Averaging a monstrous 29 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks per game, Wembanyama has established himself as the most terrifying two-way force in basketball, dismantling opposing defenses with his size while making life miserable for anyone brave enough to challenge him at the rim.
On November 4, he erupted for 52 points against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the first player since Bob McAdoo in 1974 to record at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in a single game. His individual play has translated directly into team success, with the San Antonio Spurs riding an eight-game winning streak and emerging as one of the NBA's most formidable teams. Wembanyama also leads the league in Player Efficiency Rating (35.3) and Box Plus/Minus (14.3), as he continues to impact the game on both ends of the floor. At this point, the question isn't whether Wembanyama will become the best player in basketball, but whether he's already there. For a player who entered the season with sky-high expectations, somehow managing to shatter them might be his most impressive accomplishment yet.
The Tatum PG-13 Experiment Is Working
The Jayson Tatum and Paul George experiment is WORKING, and the Boston Celtics are looking like legitimate contenders once again. What initially appeared to be a questionable trade has seemingly paid off, with Boston racing out to an impressive 8–2 start. While the Philadelphia 76ers currently occupy the top spot in the Eastern Conference, sleeping on this Celtics squad would be a massive mistake. At 36 years old, George has turned back the clock, looking more like the PG-13 of old than an injury-plagued veteran we've grown accustomed to seeing. Averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game, the nine-time All-Star has rediscovered his offensive rhythm while providing Boston with another consistent scoring option.
Meanwhile, Tatum has embraced the responsibility of being the team's undisputed leader following his return from injury, averaging 27 points per game as a premier three-level-scorer and a guy who's unafraid to take the hard shots. While his field goal percentage could use some improvement, the Celtics are WINNING, and that's ultimately what matters most. With George experiencing a late-career resurgence and Tatum reestablishing himself among the league's elite, this pairing is already proving far more successful than many anticipated. Philadelphia may be sitting atop the standings for now, but Boston is making a compelling case that the road to the Eastern Conference Finals could still run through TD Garden.
More Than A Three-Point Specialist
I could never have predicted a Duncan Robinson leap would be making this list, but he's been one of the biggest offensive revelations of the season. After years of being viewed solely as a three-point specialist, the 32-year-old sharpshooter has completely transformed his offensive identity, emerging as a legitimate scoring threat and a major reason why the Detroit Pistons have climbed to third in the Eastern Conference standings. Averaging a career-high 18 points per game while knocking down an impressive 45% of his three-point attempts, Robinson is proving he's far more than just a roleplaying sniper. Once considered a potential weak link in the rotation, he's now producing at a level that makes him every bit as dangerous offensively as his teammates.
His elite floor spacing has been invaluable alongside Cade Cunningham, stretching opposing defenses, creating driving lanes and giving Detroit another reliable weapon on the perimeter. For a Pistons team that finished as Division Champions last year and is always looking to establish itself among the Eastern Conference's elite, Robinson's unexpected offensive resurgence has been one of the most encouraging developments for Detroit. At this rate, he's making a compelling case as one of the NBA's most improved players.
Playoff Murray Is Here Early
Nikola Jokić has had a glaring downslide to open the season, and Jamal Murray has arguably been the team's most eye-catching performer to open up the year. Murray is enjoying what could be the best start of his career, averaging an impressive 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists per game while shooting a scorching 49% from three-point range. Give this man even an inch of breathing room, and he'll make you pay. We've always known Murray could get hot, particularly in the postseason, but seeing this level of scoring volume and efficiency go hand in hand on a nightly basis has been remarkable.
On October 24th, Murry exploded for a 42-point outburst against the New Orleans Pelicans, 39 points against the Phoenix Suns in NBA Cup action on October 30th, and another 35 against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 2nd. While Denver's 5–3 start leaves something to be desired for a team with championship aspirations, things could certainly be worse, and Murray's offense has been a major bright spot. For years, the question surrounding Murray has been whether he could consistently replicate his legendary playoff performances during the regular season. If these opening weeks are any indication, we might finally be witnessing that version of Jamal Murray for an entire campaign.
The Future of Dallas Is Here
At 6'10", Cooper Flagg is a multi-talented basketball phenom who can seemingly do no wrong. Well, except shoot three-pointers. While the long-range jumper remains a work in progress, the 19-year-old forward has already established himself as the FUTURE of Dallas basketball, and his sophomore campaign is shaping up to be something special. Through nine games, Flagg is putting up legitimate All-Star caliber numbers, averaging 24 points, 7 dimes and 6 boards per contest while showcasing a deep offensive bag that belies his age. Perhaps the most impressive development has been his evolution as a playmaker, with his assists skyrocketing from 4.5 per game as a rookie to seven this season.
After seemingly being "forced" into a point guard role early last season, it comes naturallly now. His improved court vision, decision-making and ability to create opportunities for teammates have added an entirely new dimension to his game, making him considerably more dangerous with the ball in his hands. And the records? They just keep piling up. Flagg continues to rewrite the history books with teenage scoring milestones, accomplishing feats that players his age have rarely, if ever, achieved. The outside shot may not be there just yet, but when you're already producing at this level before your 20th birthday, it's hard not to wonder just how high your ceiling might be. The scary part is that Flagg is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Injuries? No Problem. Meet Ajay Mitchell
When injuries begin piling up, championship-caliber teams need their supporting cast to step up and shoulder the load. Enter Ajay Mitchell. With the Oklahoma City Thunder navigating a brutal stretch of injuries, the Belgian combo guard has seized the opportunity and taken his game to an entirely new level. Averaging a career-high 19 points per game on an efficient 51% shooting from the field, Mitchell has embraced the responsibility of being a full-time starter, providing OKC with a much-needed offensive spark. And make no mistake, the Thunder aren't just surviving. Despite the adversity, Oklahoma City sits second in the Western Conference and remains as competitive as ever.
With Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace all sidelined, the defending champions have been forced to dig deep into their rotation and rely on players who might otherwise have occupied complementary roles. Mitchell has answered the call in a BIG way, displaying a newfound confidence, willingness to shoot and the ability to create his own shot against some of the league's toughest defenses. For a Thunder team determined to remain among the NBA's elite, contributions like these are absolutely essential. Somebody had to step up, and Mitchell has done considerably more than that, emerging as one of the league's most pleasant early-season surprises.
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The season is just getting started, and the million-dollar question remains: How much of this is sustainable? Will Steph continue to average 30 points at 38 years old? Will Luka maintain his historic 40-point scoring pace? And can unexpected breakout stars keep producing at this level over the grueling 82-game regular season? Which of these players are surprising you the most, and who's due for a reality check?
The NBA regular season is in FULL session 🚨 Can't keep up with the hype? Be sure to stay tuned into Sportz Nation for your sports updates on all things basketball.
Thanks for reading!
-Joel Piton
(@jp7ton)
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