The NBA season is officially back and underway. The first two nights of action were wild, showcasing exactly why the league continues to deliver excitement at a higher intensity each and every year. On opening night, the Lakers’ Luka Dončić made NBA history in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.
“Luka Dončić is the first player in NBA history to open a season with a 40-point double-double but lose by double digits,” Opta Stats posted.
However, what Dončić — and the rest of the world — didn’t know was that he was also about to make history alongside some of the league’s best young stars, including Victor Wembanyama, Tyrese Maxey, and Anthony Edwards. The only difference was that the rest of the group managed to secure wins in their season openers.
“This is the first time in NBA history 4 different players opened the season with a 40-point game in the same year (Luka Dončić, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, Victor Wembanyama),” Opta Stats posted.
The most impressive opening performance belonged to Wembanyama, who scored over 40 points in dominant and efficient fashion after being away from the game for eight months.
“Of course, we've seen numbers like that before on their own. Combined, however, is another story. Wembanyama is the first player since the 1977-78 NBA/ABA merger to record 40 points and 15 rebounds while shooting 70% from the field with zero turnovers,” CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin reported.
All four performances proved that these superstars are ready to do whatever it takes for their teams. Edwards even set a franchise record against the Portland Trail Blazers. This slate of opening night games delivered in a major way.
The NBA is officially back — and it looks more exciting than ever. If this was just a preview of what’s to come, the world is in for a treat.