The start of this NBA season had it all. Records were broken, the FBI were involved, and history was made. The first week almost prophesised what was to come for the rest of this season as we’ve seen last minute clutches, overtime thrillers, and an overall high level of competitive basketball. As the year comes to an end, lets recap the start of what looks to be a very entertaining season.
No one would have expected the FBI to be involved in the NBA so openly, but that is exactly what we saw at the very start of the season. After suspicions of gambling violations, the FBI inserted themselves into the limelight when they arrested many high-profile names within the league. Most notably, Terry Rozier (current Miami Heat guard), Chauncey Billups, and former player Damon Jones was arrested on suspicion of gambling violations. As of now, the judge has said that the case would be adjourned whilst plea deal negotiations have occurred for some of those who are involved. The FBI’s version of events reads like a movie with claims of X-ray tables at poker games, rigged betting on players and their performances, and even links to New York’s infamous Five Families who have dominated the city’s mafia for years.
Getting back to basketball, the season started with so many intense and to the wire games, with the most suspenseful one being Golden State vs Denver Nuggets. This game had it all with Aaron Gordon dropping a career high of 50 points, shooting 10/11 from the three-point range. To put it into perspective, Jokic had taken more shots that game and only ended the night with 21 points. However, Gordon’s dream night was bittersweet because of Stephen Curry’s semi-contested 34-footer to tie the game. Only 5 mins later, he secured another three and sealed the game off with 2 free throws allowing GSW to run away with the lead and eventually win the game 137-131.
Whilst the vets of the league were dropping intense performances, Philly rookie VJ Edgecomb dropped an insane 34 points in his debut against the Celtics. He had an almost perfect start to the game, dropping 14 points without missing a shot and not having a single turnover throughout the entire game. Some might say beginners luck but he carried his debut performance over to Monday against the Orlando Magic where he had a field goal percentage of 58.8%, shooting 10/17. In the game, he secured 26 points and 7 assists to help secure the win over Orlando.
The start of the season saw everyone showing up and putting on noteworthy performance, but the MVP of the start of the season was undoubtedly the Spurs’ Wembanyama. His last season ended early due to health issues surrounding a blood clot, but it’s clear to say that he was not in the slightest demotivated or taking it easy. During his recovery, he spent time training with the great Hakeem Olajuwon and even going as far as training in a Shaolin monastery in Tibet. In his first game back against the Mavericks, he put up a scary 40 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 15/21. His comeback to the league was without a doubt the most entertaining part of the season as he helped San Antonio secure 5 back-to-back wins in a row with his lowest scoring game being 24 and his highest being 40. In his first three games alone he put up 100 points and 40 rebounds and when we extend that to his first 5 games, he put up 150 points and 73 rebounds.
It’s safe to say the start of this season was full of drama and intensity and if it is anything like what is yet to follow then the 2025/2026 NBA season will be one of the most entertaining and intense seasons in recent years.
