One week into the 2026-27 NBA season, several storylines have already emerged. The reigning champion New York Knicks started 0-3 amid ring night drama, while the San Antonio Spurs dropped their first two games to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets before finally beating the Dallas Mavericks, who were without Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
Other contenders have taken center stage. Luka Doncic scored 52 points against the Utah Jazz on Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers started 3-0. Memphis has also surprised, with the Grizzlies off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Guard Ty Jerome and rookie Cameron Boozer have led the way, and the team is winning the battle of the boards and generating extra possessions.
Injuries have already taken their toll. The Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren, the Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs and the Thunder's Jalen Williams all suffered injuries that will sideline them, with Williams carried off the court on a stretcher.
The Spurs' slow start is especially concerning for a young team with championship aspirations. Victor Wembanyama shot just 1-of-13 against Oklahoma City, his worst shooting performance of his four-year career, and his late-game decision-making will likely face close scrutiny all season.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing