After a pair of games on NBA opening night, the Association offered up a buffet of matchups on Wednesday in the first full night of the 2025-26 NBA schedule. The stars showed out yesterday, and some new additions revealed why their team acquired them in the summer. With that in mind, let’s look at 10 of the biggest takeaways from the league’s first full slate of action as opening night continued.
Knicks’ new-look offense is pretty good already
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
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The New York Knicks have a very deep starting five. However, former head coach Tom Thibodeau has always been a defensive guru and often let his team play isolation ball on offense. But with Mike Brown now running the show, the hope was that there would be a better use of the various weapons they have. That was on display in their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They moved the ball much more often and tried to play fast all night. It paid off as five different players had 15 or more points, and OG Anunoby led the team with 24 points. There will be bumps in the road in the weeks ahead, but the changes to the Knicks’ offense are looking good already.
Desmond Bane shows why Magic will be a problem
NBA: Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
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In the summer, the Orlando Magic gave up a huge trade package to get Memphis Grizzlies veteran Desmond Bane. They brought him in to give them an extra ball handler and a much-needed three-point threat. The team that averaged just 105.4 points last season dropped 125 on Wednesday. Three players scored 23 or more, and Bane knocked down a trio of threes. So far, so very good for Bane and the Magic.
Are Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe the future of 76ers?
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
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When most NBA fans think about the Philadelphia 76ers, they see Joel Embiid and Paul George. Because they are the biggest names on the roster. That may need to change, and soon. During an All-Star season in 2024-25, Tyrese Maxey showed he could become the new face of the franchise if Embiid can never get back to being consistently healthy.
However, first-round pick VJ Edgecombe is looking like an early NBA draft steal after putting up 34 points in his debut against a well-coached Boston Celtics team. Philly seems to have a fantastic transition plan when they want to move on from Embiid and George.
Victor Wembanyama is not the future, he’s the now
NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks
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NBA fans know how good San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama can eventually be. But the waiting may be over. The French phenom was matched up against Anthony Davis — one of the best defensive big men of his era — almost all night, and he absolutely abused him. Be it blowing by him or posting up, Wembanyama showed his diverse game as he dropped 40 points on the Dallas Mavericks. He also chipped in with 15 boards and three blocks while hitting 15 of his 21 shots. The Wembanyama era might be now.
Heat could be better than expected with Norman Powell
NBA: Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
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In the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat did not get better. They lacked the go-to scorer that the future Hall of Famer can be. However, they added Norman Powell in the summer with the hope that his All-Star season last year wasn’t just one good year. Well, while they didn’t get the W on Wednesday, Powell dropped 28 points and was a +12 when he was on the court. Once Tyler Herro gets back healthy, the Heat could end up being far better than early NBA predictions.
Bulls continue hot late-season play with surprise win
NBA: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls
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Chicago Bulls fans hoped their strong play late in the season was for real, and not just taking advantage of teams that quit late in the year. Well, the Bulls may be for real. Against a Detroit Pistons team that is expected to take another step forward, the Bulls scored a nice upset win with a team effort, and didn’t even have Coby White on Wednesday night. It was a great early sign of Chicago’s potential in 2025-26.
Ja Morant looks ready to lead the Grizzlies back to elite status
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Grizzlies management hoped that firing coach Taylor Jenkins could unleash the best offensive version of Ja Morant this season. Well, at least for one night they looked right. After head coach Tuomas Iisalo got a summer to put definitive touches on the team, Morant rewarded him with a big 35-point performance in an opening night win. If the Grizzlies want to get back to being an elite team out West, Morant must play like an MVP candidate. He did on Wednesday.
Bucks still have the best player in the NBA
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After months of speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. And who knows if he is totally happy, but there is no doubt that they still have the best all-around player on the planet. The “Greek Freak” dropped 37 on the Washington Wizards and old pal Khris Middleton in their season debut win, while adding 14 rebounds and five assists. A motivated Giannis is a scary Giannis.
Don’t sleep on new-look Suns
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The Phoenix Suns went with an addition by subtraction approach this summer by moving on from both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. And it was for the best because it lets Devin Booker go back to being the focal point of the team, and that is when he is at his best.
It showed in their win over the Sacramento Kings when he scored 31 and chipped in with five boards and three assists. It was a very nice win that didn’t even include Jalen Green, the key return in the Durant trade.
Kristaps Porzingis finally looks healthy
NBA: Toronto Raptors at Atlanta Hawks
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A key part of the Boston Celtics’ downfall last season was star big man Kristaps Porzingis dealing with a mystery illness that badly limited him. It made it even easier for them to trade him in the summer. While it was a risk for the Atlanta Hawks, he looked back to normal by scoring 20 points and posting seven rebounds, and two blocks. They didn’t get the win, but Porzingis could be huge in a big leap forward for ATL this season.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos