The 2026–27 NBA regular season opened with all 30 teams completing their initial fixtures, producing a stark contrast between standout individual debuts and historic early struggles. Across the league’s opening week, performances ranged from career-high scoring nights to historically poor shooting displays against suffocating defensive schemes.
Walker Kessler Dominates the Glass and Rim Against Golden State
Walker Kessler delivered one of the most efficient interior performances of opening week, posting 26 points without missing a shot against the Golden State Warriors. Kessler finished 12-of-12 from the field, including 10 dunks, while adding 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. His developing chemistry with Luka Dončić emerged as a central takeaway for the future.
WALKER KESSLER WENT 12-12 IN HIS LAKERS DEBUT 🤯He had 10 DUNKS… the most by a Laker since Shaq in 2003! pic.twitter.com/i7KWBrC9f6
Philadelphia 76ers Grind Out Defensive Victory Behind Embiid and Maxey
The Philadelphia 76ers opened their campaign with a gritty defensive win against the New York Knicks, holding their opponents to just 46 points while scoring 62 points across 64 possessions. According to data shared by analyst Dean Oliver, Philadelphia’s starting lineup finished +16 on the night, powered by Joel Embiid protecting the paint and Tyrese Maxey’s relentless perimeter containment. New arrivals LeBron James and Jaylen Brown also contributed steady minutes in their respective debuts.
Jayson Tatum Struggles in Boston Celtics Second-Half Collapse
The Boston Celtics squandered a 22-point third-quarter lead against the Miami Heat, falling after Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green spearheaded a second-half comeback. Jayson Tatum endured a difficult evening in the post-Jays era opener, managing just 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field and 0-of-7 from beyond the arc. Tatum scored only 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting in the second half, drawing widespread social media attention following comments regarding an offseason trade.
The starting lineup for the Sixers was +16 in their first game together, but not because of offense. They scored only 62 points on 64 possessions. But they held the Knicks to just 46 points.It wasn't just Embiid. All had positive defensive Net Pts.https://t.co/GFcO2x9ZOT pic.twitter.com/AbSEzNrNY5
Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard Make Emotional Returns from Injury
Tyrese Haliburton marked his return to the court 486 days after an injury in Game 7, scoring 13 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans. Similarly, Damian Lillard returned to action 542 days after his last NBA appearance and 1309 days after his final game in a Portland Trail Blazers uniform, recording 25 points, 6 assists, and an 88% True Shooting percentage in just 24 minutes against the Phoenix Suns.
Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic Run Into Oklahoma City Thunder Defense
Victor Wembanyama endured a difficult opening night against the Oklahoma City Thunder’s frontcourt rotation of Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and rookie Aday Mara, missing his first 12 shots and finishing 1-of-13 from the floor. Nikola Jokic faced similar resistance from Oklahoma City’s defense, limited to 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting with 5 assists and 2 turnovers. Opposing centers are shooting 26.3% against the Thunder.
Anthony Edwards and Ty Jerome Post Historic Opening Night Scoring Nights
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards opened his season with 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting, hitting 9 three-pointers as Minnesota routed the Miami Heat. Meanwhile, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome matched Edwards’ 45-point output, shooting 17-of-25 from the field with 7 rebounds and 6 assists to set a franchise record for points in a season opener. On the opposing side of Minnesota’s blowout win, Miami center Bam Adebayo finished with a -28 plus-minus rating while Rudy Gobert posted a +27.
Cleveland Cavaliers Squander Late Lead Against Philadelphia
The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered another late collapse, dropping a game in which they held a 28-point lead over the 76ers. The defeat echoed Cleveland’s loss to the Knicks, where they surrendered a 22-point lead with under eight minutes remaining, raising early concerns regarding late-game execution.
Jayson Tatum was talking about the Jaylen Brown trade and Brown went in the comments and called him a LIAR. 😭This NBA season gonna be CRAZY pic.twitter.com/AGUJ6WDp0Y
Caleb Wilson Records Historic Minus-Plus Figure in Rookie Debut
Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson experienced a difficult professional debut, finishing with 7 points on 7-of-21 shooting, 9 turnovers, 0 assists, and a -45 plus-minus rating. The mark stands as the worst all-time plus-minus figure recorded by a debutant.
The 2026–27 NBA regular season continues with a full slate of fixtures across league arenas.
More on Miami Heat
Opposing centers against OKC this season…Nikola Jokic:13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists26.3% FG, 14.3% 3PTVictor Wembanyama:12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists7.7% FG, 0.0% 3PT pic.twitter.com/qeOtwOkCqd
Rudy Gobert: +27Bam Adebayo: – 28
Damian Lillard 25 PTS, 6 ASTS, 1 STL, 88% TS on 7/12 FG in 24 min vs Suns542 days since his last NBA game. 1,309 days since his last game as a Blazer. pic.twitter.com/EraIdUSmut
🏀🎞️ Caleb Wilson had 9 turnovers in his first NBA game. A 32 TOV% according to CleaningTheGlass.What stood out was terrible ball security. In the first half he was losing the ball just from trying to keep it under control as he accelerated. pic.twitter.com/N4dPtWxMJ3
TY JEROME WENT OFF IN MEMPHIS' WIN!45 PTS (CAREER-HIGH)7 REB6 AST5 3PMMOST POINTS BY A GRIZZLIES PLAYER IN A SEASON OPENER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jugQasfscR
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