NBA Starting Hot!

An incredible game that went to double overtime! Shai Gilgeous-Alexander began the game with a modest performance, scoring only five points. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren stood out in the first half, racking up 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. He looked like an absolute monster and an All-Star. He played with intense concentration and finished with strength at the rim. Yet, he slowed down in the second half and scored 10 points. But one of the best parts of the game was Cason, who had four steals, 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to end the game. Ajay Mitchell had a crazy end to the first half, getting a four-point play to end the quarter. Aaron Wiggins had an impressive game. He shot 50 percent and nailed some three-pointers. Shai went off in the second half. He performed exceptionally well in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points in double overtime. SGA was special, proving that he is the true MVP of the league. Although OKC secured the victory, Houston put up a fierce challenge.

The Rockets made the first night of the season special by dominating in the first half. Alperen Sengun played like Dirk Nowitzki, hitting 50 percent of his shots. He went 5-for-8 from the three-point line. The young Turk is set to take over after a standout season. He dominated the stat sheet, finishing the game with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. He looked like a force. Kevin Durant had a cool game but ended unconvincingly as he fouled out. Still, the veteran finished the game with 23 points on 9-16 shooting. Amen had a lot of bright spots, as he had moments where he drove to the basket and finished strongly at the rim. But the problem is that he cannot shoot. The Rockets made him the starting point guard. This role has pushed him to take more three-pointers, which is hurting his game. For him to fill the Fred VanVleet role, he needs to be a factor behind the three-point line. Jabari Smith Jr. hasn’t improved his ball handling. This is an issue because Houston needs more shot creation. Reed Sheppard did not look ready compared to the preseason. It is too early to tell, but he does not seem like he is ready to be a prominent ball handler on a contender. It's early now, but Houston is struggling to bring the ball up the court. It looks like they'll need to trade for a point guard by mid-season.

Warriors Beat the Lakers!

For the Lakers, it was all about Luka Doncic, who finished with 43 points on 17-27 shooting. It looked like he would end up becoming the scoring champion this year. Luka got his points at ease and looked like a star out there. Almost getting a triple-double, it felt like a start to a new era in Los Angeles. But the problem was the role players, as they did not show up. Jake LaVera and Marcus Smart were the bright points of the night. Austin Reeves was not the best, but alright, ending the game with 26 points. He showed up when the game was over despite posting solid numbers. DeAndre Ayton was a struggle to watch as he looked lost out there. He did not play well on the pick and roll. The Lakers really missed LeBron. The Warriors, so, were at full strength.

As for the Golden State Warriors, it was everything we have seen in the past decade. Steph Curry and Draymond Green shined, scoring a total of 31 points together. Along with Podz being a good role player with lower expectations from last year. Jonathan Kuminga showed out big, hitting his jumpers behind the arc, being 4-6. He showed his value to the world, and as of the first game, his contract is a win for the Warriors. Jimmy Butler looked great, finishing the game with 16 free throws. Butler has taken on the second option role amazingly, and Buddy Hield was a great role player, hitting his threes and shooting 5-10 behind three. The only concern was Al Horford, who looked washed out there. The veteran-filled Warriors could be a sneaky good team next season.

Orlando Magic Beat the Miami Heat

The Orlando Magic brought in the right personnel this off-season with Desmond Bane. Orlando looked like a team that could score. Their cohesive offense has been missing for the past two seasons. Franz Wagner in the first half looked like he was a superstar as he scored 19 points on 7-9 shooting. He was aggressive and hit his buckets when needed, as well as Paolo, who finished with 24 points. Jalen Suggs was an awesome return tonight who played well on both ends of the court. The Orlando Magic are showing they can compete in the Eastern Conference. They’re sticking to their strong defense while also boosting their offense.

The Miami Heat are without their star Tyler Herro, but Norman Powell was able to step up big. He led the way in the second half, even getting them the lead, which put asses out of their seats in Kia Stadium. Davion Mitchell didn't find a role in Sacramento, but he was good tonight with 16 points and 12 assists. Jamie Jaquez Jr. shined off the bench. Simone Fontecchio also stood out as an underrated role player in the league. Bam Adebayo, the best player on the team, struggled to show up, having 4 turnovers to end the night. The Heat showed strong performance against a tough defensive team. They can compete with the best. However, without Herro, it’s uncertain if they can finish games.

Memphis Grizzlies Beat New Orleans Pelicans

The Memphis Grizzlies looked like a brand-new team after trading away Desmond Bane. Zach Edey’s absence hurt the team’s rebounding and rim protection. Jarren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale both fouled out, allowing Zion to take control near the basket. Santi Aldama was also in foul trouble, which made it scary for the Grizzlies' odds. Cedric Coward stood out as one of the brightest rookies tonight. He played with great energy and proved he will be a key wing player. O-Max showed his hidden talent in Dallas. He scored 10 points and was the first player off the bench. KCP is set to redeem himself tonight. As a veteran player, he can make some shots and provide solid defense. Cam Spencer brought in good energy off the bench, scoring 7 points. Jaylen Wells' return was awesome, being one of the best rookies last year. He shot 50 percent from the field. Ja Morant is reminding the world tonight that he is him! The player many forgot had an amazing game tonight, scoring 35 points. Ja turned it around in the second half, finishing strong at the rim and having no turnovers. Herb Jones found himself struggling against the star point guard to end the game. Morant was the MVP tonight and made a strong statement to his competitor and to the world!

The New Orleans Pelicans ended the first half hot, but the second half was awful. Jordan Poole started strong with 10 points in the first quarter. However, he finished the game with 17 points and didn't score in the fourth. Zion struggled in the first quarter, going 0-4 and missing his free throws. However, he found his rhythm as the game went on. He was able to be a good playmaker as he moved the ball around and played aggressively towards the end of the game. In the third, it felt like Willie Green shit the bed by not getting Zion the ball when he was hot. Herb Jones was hot trash tonight and got fouled out. I predict Trey Murphy III will be the Most Improved Player this year. But he didn't perform well in this game, scoring 13 points on 5-15 shooting. Trey did not play with the flow of the offense and did throw up wack-ass shots, and the same goes for Herb Jones. The surprise of tonight was Jerimiah Fears, who had a crazy game, ending the shooting 7-10. He kept the game close and was an unexpected spark plug tonight. Fears was ready to go against a star in Ja Morant, which led to Ja talking crap at the end of the game. The game was winnable. But bad coaching and Willie Green's lineup led to the Pelicans' loss. Ja Morant not being double teamed until the last minute was a joke Zion was taken out in the third was a poor decision. If the Pelicans continue this habit, it could lead to the team getting a new coach.

San Antonio Beats Dallas Mavericks!

The league saw a swift change tonight! Victor Wembanyama looked like the greatest player in the world! He was dominant tonight on both ends of the court with the way he was able to finish strong at the rim and absorb contact. Wemby had a crazy dog-walk dunk on AD, and it felt like he did not care who was guarding him. It felt like his game was complete tonight, and he had no flaws. Wemby might be the best player in the game by age 21. He aims to claim the GOAT title from Michael Jordan or LeBron James. This game was a huge statement to the world that Wemby is ready to take over!

Cooper Flagg had a welcome-to-the-NBA moment tonight. He faced the dominant Victor Wembanyama. There is a lot for the rookie to figure out as he is given the weird role of being the ball handler along with P.J. Washington. It seemed like Flagg was not ready to be the main playmaker right now. Jason Kidd has to play him into that role throughout the season. Anthony Davis got destroyed by Victor Wembanyama on the defensive end. It felt like he could not figure out how to guard the third-year player. On offense, there were times when he threw up a shot knowing Vic was roaming around the rim. None of the Mavs' role players got their rhythm going tonight due to how good the Spurs' defense was. The Mavericks need to decide how to use Anthony Davis as their top choice. They also have to plan for Cooper Flagg’s role moving forward.

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