Biggest Week 1 NBA overreactions we actually kind of believe after early surprises
Minnesota’s joyful early start
Minnesota is 3-1 after losing its opener to Cleveland in overtime. Anthony Edwards had a wide-open chance to tie the game with a three on the final possession, but the shot did not change the result.
The article credits the team’s energy and LaMelo Ball’s arrival with adding creativity and enjoyment to its play. It also points to a favorable stretch before Thanksgiving: 15 games, only four on the road, with several opponents described as vulnerable.
Among the listed matchups are the injury-hit Warriors, the Bucks, Pelicans, Jazz, Clippers, Mavericks and Nets, plus two home games against Portland. The article suggests Minnesota could reach 18-1 by Thanksgiving, though that remains an early-season projection.
Conflicting claims about Milwaukee
The article says Giannis is averaging 28.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists through three games, while Miami has started 0-4. It says the Heat have lost to Minnesota and Detroit, as well as to the injury-ravaged Hornets and the Mavericks.
It also reports Bobby Portis is making 47.4 percent of his threes, while the rest of Miami is shooting 28.3 percent from beyond the arc. The article criticizes the team’s rebounding and defense, and says Bam Adebayo may need four more games to reach 83 points.
But the account contradicts itself: it first discusses Giannis alongside Miami, then says the Bucks received Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins in a trade for him. It also calls Milwaukee 1-3 and says the Bucks look more cohesive, while predicting neither team may make the playoffs.
Memphis makes an early impression
Memphis is 4-0, with wins over the Jazz twice, the Warriors and the Kings. The article says the Grizzlies looked much stronger than those opponents, while noting that the schedule has not yet tested them against tougher competition.
It highlights Cameron Boozer’s positive impact as he adjusts offensively, and says Ty Jerome is averaging 29.8 points per game. Youth, depth and confidence are presented as strengths, although the article does not expect Memphis to remain atop the Western Conference for months.
The piece argues Memphis has an advantage over the Jazz, Suns and Clippers. It begins to compare the Grizzlies with Golden State but ends before completing that thought.
Key points
- Minnesota is 3-1 and faces a schedule with only four road games in its next 15.
- Memphis is 4-0 after playing the Jazz twice, the Warriors and the Kings.
- Miami is 0-4, but the article gives conflicting accounts of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team.
- The NBA season is about 4 percent complete, with 1,183 games remaining.