The Biggest Takeaways From NBA Premiere Week
New season. New expectations. Ladies and gentlemen: the wait is over.
After months of anticipation, speculation, free agency moves, and endless offseason debates, the NBA has finally returned, and it's already giving us plenty to talk about. From injury returns and surprising upsets to breakout performances and early disappointments, the brink of Premiere Wink has been nothing short of entertaining. It's way too early to start handing out trophies or writing teams off, but first impressions matter. With that being said, let's break down some of the biggest takeaways from the opening week so far.
The Lakers May Have Finally Found Their Answer at Center
If there were any doubts about the Los Angeles Lakers' blockbuster acquisition of Walker Kessler, the 7'2" big man wasted absolutely no time silencing them. Kessler delivered a historic performance in his Lakers debut, erupting for 26 points on a flawless 12-of-12 shooting from the field, along with nine rebounds and two blocks in a commanding 127–105 victory over the Golden State Warriors. In doing so, Kessler joined the legendary Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in Lakers franchise history to make at least 12 field goals in a game without a single miss. As if that weren't impressive enough, he also became the first Laker since Shaquille O'Neal to throw down 10 dunks in a single contest: quite the first impression. Los Angeles acquired the former Utah Jazz standout through a sign-and-trade agreement, committing to a four-year, $130 million contract while surrendering two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps. It was an enormous investment, but if his opening-night performance is any indication, the Lakers may have struck gold.
After losing both Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes during the offseason, Los Angeles desperately needed to address its frontcourt, and Kessler appears to be everything the franchise could have hoped for. The Lakers struggled mightily on the defensive end last season, but the additions of Kessler and defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle have the potential to transform them into a two-way squad. Kessler is an elite rim protector who can anchor the paint, alter shots, dominate the glass, and provide the physicality LA's lacked. Offensively, he's an exceptional rim-running lob threat whose athleticism and finishing ability make him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Luka. With Luka's extraordinary court vision and ability to manipulate defenses, Kessler should have no shortage of opportunities to feast around the basket. I don't expect him to shoot 100% every night, and it's only one game, but Los Angeles may have finally found the missing piece that can help them elevate.
Paul George Looks Too Good to Be True
Who would've thought Paul George still had THIS much left in the tank? The nine-time All-Star turned 36 in the spring and appeared to be on the decline after appearing in just 78 regular-season games over his previous two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. His tenure in Philly was, as ESPN explained, a disappointment. Between his mounting injury concerns, declining production, and a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy earlier this year, George's future as an elite contributor seemed done for. When Boston traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for the aging veteran, it was natural to question whether Brad Stevens had made a catastrophic mistake. Well, if opening night was any indication, PG-13 might have just turned back the clock. George erupted for 38 points, five rebounds, five steals, and three assists in his Celtics debut, shooting 12-of-21 from the field and draining seven three-pointers in a heartbreaking 121–113 loss to the Detroit Pistons. His 38 points established a new franchise record for the highest-scoring debut in Celtics history, while he also became the first player to record at least 35 points and five steals in his debut with a new team since the NBA began tracking steals in 1973–74. For a player whose best days were widely believed to be behind him, this was nothing short of sensational.
With Jayson Tatum assuming more of a point-forward role, the Celtics needed another scoring weapon capable of creating his own shot, stretching the floor, and taking over games. Tatum had a rough shooting night, finishing with just 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting, but he contributed 11 assists. George, meanwhile, was virtually unstoppable. This is the production Stevens envisioned when he made the decision to acquire George: elite perimeter scoring, disruptive defense, leadership, and a reliable secondary option capable of carrying the offensive load when Tatum is a non-factor. If he can remain healthy and consistently deliver even a fraction of what he showcased against Detroit, the Celtics could have a much higher ceiling than many anticipated. Boston may have lost the game, but Celtics fans have every reason to be excited about what they've just witnessed.
Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball Might Be the Best Backcourt in Basketball
Are we witnessing the emergence of the NBA's most dangerous backcourt? If the Minnesota Timberwolves' season opener was any indication, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are going to be an absolute NIGHTMARE for opposing defenses. The dynamic duo put the league on notice in a dominant 131–106 victory over the Miami Heat, with Edwards delivering an MVP-caliber performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. The 25-year-old erupted for 45 points, 10 rebounds, and nine three-pointers, showcasing the full arsenal. Pulling up from beyond the arc, dissecting Miami's defense with mid-range jumpers, and attacking the basket with aggression, Edwards looked virtually unstoppable. His 45-point explosion also placed him in rare company, trailing only the legendary Michael Jordan in 40-point season-opening performances. Meanwhile, Ball proved to be the perfect complement, contributing 21 points and six assists while dazzling spectators with one-legged, nonchalant three-pointers, good dimes, and surprisingly disruptive defense. The chemistry between these two was undeniable, and the scariest part is that they're only scratching the surface.
There was sheer disparity in backcourt talent. With all due respect to Davion Mitchell and Klay Thompson, the difference in offensive firepower and athleticism was LARGE. This is the kind of partnership that should terrify the rest of the Western Conference. Edwards is a relentless three-level scorer who can take over a game at a moment's notice, and Ball is a gifted floor general whose shooting range and passing instincts make him equally difficult to contain. Together, they present a pick-your-poison dilemma for the defense: double Edwards and risk giving Ball room to operate, or focus on limiting LaMelo's passing and watch Edwards tear apart single coverage. It was just one game, but a fascinating glimpse of just how devastating this pairing could become. The rest of the league has officially been warned.
Tyrese Haliburton is BACK, and Hasn't Missed A Step
Pacers fans, STAND UP. After nearly 500 agonizing days on the sidelines, Tyrese Haliburton has finally returned to NBA action, and somehow, he looks as spectacular as ever. The last time we saw Haliburton in a meaningful game, he was clutching the hardwood during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals after suffering a devastating right Achilles tear that brought his remarkable postseason run to a heartbreaking conclusion. The injury ultimately sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025–26 campaign, leaving Indiana without its best player and contributing to a disastrous 19-win season. Fast-forward to opening night, and the Hali made his long-awaited return in emphatic fashion, recording 23 points and 12 assists in a thrilling 123–120 victory over Zion and the New Orleans Pelicans. From his playmaking and exceptional court vision to his ability to create scoring opportunities out of thin air, Haliburton looked like a player who hadn't missed a single game. There was no hesitation, no lack of confidence, and no lack of IQ.
Together, he and Siakam combined for 53 points. The chemistry between the two was rock solid. With Indiana trailing by six entering the fourth quarter, Tyrese took matters into his own hands, pouring in 13 points in the final period and spearheading a furious comeback that helped secure the victory. Returning from an Achilles rupture is no small feat, and maintaining his health throughout an 82-game season will be the ultimate test. Nevertheless, the Pacers have every reason to be optimistic. With Haliburton back, Indiana could be poised for a significant resurgence in the Eastern Conference. After a season to forget, Pacers basketball finally has its heartbeat back.
Damian Lillard and Ja Morant Could Be a Recipe for Chaos (In the Best Possible Way)
Damian Lillard and Ja Morant sharing the same backcourt? That sounds like a recipe for instant offense, and the Portland Trail Blazers might have just given us a glimpse of something special. After spending more than 500 days away from regular-season basketball while recovering from a torn Achilles, Lillard made his highly anticipated return to the hardwood and wasted absolutely no time reminding the basketball world why he was named top 75. The 36-year-old erupted for 25 points and 6 assists, connecting on six three-pointers while shooting an incredibly efficient 58.3% from the field in Portland's 124–83 demolition of the Phoenix Suns. Father Time might be undefeated, but Dame clearly isn't ready to surrender just yet. Meanwhile, Morant looked equally promising in his Trail Blazers debut, contributing 14 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals in just 22 minutes of action. It was a relatively brief appearance, but an exciting one. Together, the two dismantled Phoenix by a staggering 41 points, opening the contest with an unbelievable 21–0 run and eventually building a lead as large as 52. That's an absolute BEATDOWN.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Portland's performance was how the game flowed throughout the entire team. The ball movement was exceptional, with the Blazers recording 32 assists, and Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara chipped in 18 points apiece. With rising star Shaedon Sharpe sidelined by a meniscus injury, Portland desperately needs to find offense from all five positions, and Lillard and Morant could be exactly what the doctor ordered for the backcourt. Their contrasting styles seemingly are a recipe for blow out basketball. Lillard possess Hall of Fame perimeter skill, while Morant's lightning-quick first step, athleticism, and exceptional playmaking make him a nightmare to contain in transition and around the basket. Defenses will have to pick their poison. Of course, there's a question worth asking: Are the Trail Blazers really THIS good, or did Phoenix simply have an absolutely miserable night? Only time will tell.
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And just like that, the NBA is officially BACK, and if the opening week has taught us anything, it's that we're in for one heck of a ride. The best part? we're only getting started. The road to the Larry O'Brien Trophy is long, grueling, and filled with twists, and we've barely scratched the surface. So buckle up, basketball fans. What are you looking forward to the most?
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Thanks for reading!
-Joel Piton
(@jp7ton)
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