Victor Wembanyama’s surge in the Spurs’ perfect start has been a key early storyline in 2025-26.
From this point forward, between now and through the next six months, the NBA placed itself in the weird position of trying to top itself.
That’s because the opening week was a table-setter and statement-maker. There were enough superb performances and games and moments spread over seven days that anyone trying to maintain this pace would normally find it beyond reach … although not for Victor Wembanyama, who happens to be 7-foot-4, or maybe 7-foot-5.
The 2024-25 season is off to a scorching start, dropping hints of staying power as well as multiple breakout players, rookies who are ready-made, 30-something superstars who refuse to grow old and a force in the making in San Antonio.
Speaking of him, that’s the right place to begin:
Wembanyama’s otherworldly opening
The Association breaks down how Victor Wembanyama is blocking shots -- and stopping them from being attempted.
The forecast for Wembanyama was never sky’s the limit, more like galaxy. Which is fitting because his skills are not of this basketball Earth.
He’s executing feats that seem unfathomable for someone his height and his age. Behind-the-back dribbles? Fadeaway 3-pointers? Three-sixty-degree layups? Wembanyama sprinkled these takeover-game teases over his first two seasons, and now seems poised to do it for a full season.
What’s scary about his start is how comfortable he looks in this dominating role, and how he expected it to be this way all along. The confidence, the self-assuredness, the this-is-my-time aura is elevating him above most, if not all, of his peers.
“The mix of knowledge of the game, recognition, patterns on the court, physical development … some things just take time,” he said. “I’m able to do it now. The proof is there.”
He worked with Hakeem Olajuwon last summer to improve his footwork and mid-range, and the results of those sessions are proof of Wembanyama’s maturity. Rather than coast on his talents, he’s following the blueprint of the greats before him, who always introduced something new every season.
There was always the understandably lofty projection of Wembanyama and his impact once he entered the league, that he could be the ultimate unicorn, a player whose physical gifts would make him tough to contain and set him apart not only from current players, but from the greats.
The only question was when this would happen.
Victor Wembanyama delivers another highlight-reel play vs. Raptors!
His opening night demolition of Dallas, and against a tremendous defender in Anthony Davis, was an announcement. His follow-up games were top-level as well. He’s impacting both ends equally and by extension, improving the Spurs.
Mostly, he’s putting the league on notice, averaging 31 points on 60% shooting, 14 rebounds and almost five blocks.
“I think the most important stat is the record,” said Wembanyama.
The Spurs are 4-0.
Former Kia MVPs stay hungry
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander records career-high 55 points in 2OT thriller win
The desire to be the best always beats in the heart of those who have proved themselves in the past. This is once more apparent with Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now, with the reigning Kia MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Curry went for 42 points in the Warriors’ second game, which went into overtime, then followed up with 35 the very next night, remarkable for someone who’s 37.
“He loves the show,” said Warriors forward Draymond Green. “Anytime there’s a show to be put on, he’s gonna do it.”
Antetokounmpo became the first player to open a season with 100-plus points, 40-plus rebounds and 15-plus assists through the first three games.
Gilgeous-Alexander was strong for a pair of double overtimes, hitting the eventual winning points against the Rockets and scoring 55 in a Finals rematch with the Pacers.
Curiously, these three are all in different situations. Curry is on the clock with an old but competitive Warriors team trying to grab at least one more title before he calls it quits. Giannis is above and beyond the best player on his team — new addition Myles Turner is averaging less than 10 points and seven rebounds so far — and is carrying the franchise. Shai is the centerpiece of a defending champion that has the best odds of winning next June.
All three are off to an MVP start. That’s what they have in common.
Rookies make their mark
VJ Edgecombe scored 34 points in the 76ers' win over the Celtics, the 3rd-most of all-time in a rookie's NBA debut.
There’s a gradual and sustained learning curve for most rookies each season. Then there’s VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Cedric Coward and Tre Johnson.
Each enjoyed a solid start and seems comfortable in their NBA skin. That’s a good sign for this class, which is showing, at least initially, that it’s more than just Cooper Flagg.
Harper appears mature beyond his years, a clever player who can get to the rim and finish, and is well-versed in the nuances of the game. It helps that his father, Ron, once rode with Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
Coward made all six of his 3-pointers to drop 27 points on the Pacers in his third game and shot a blisteringly efficient 70% overall in those games. He’s already a top option for the Grizzlies and, after Memphis lost Desmond Bane to Orlando last summer, perhaps their best shooter from distance.
The Wizards are hoping Johnson, who shot 42% from deep the first week, can sustain it if only because Washington hasn’t always been fortunate with rookies over the last several years.
As for Edgecombe, he has started from opening night (when he scored 34 points in his debut), is logging big minutes (42, 40 and 39 in the first three games) and at times finds himself the top option for the Sixers while they wait for Paul George’s return.
“He’s been good, he’s been poised,” said Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey. “We all trust him … his patience has been great and he’s scoring at a high level.”
Reaves’ hot start
The Association crew breaks down Reaves' big night vs. Kings and if he can carry the load without Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Austin Reaves came into the league without being on the radar, but he established himself in two ways: by gaining the respect of LeBron James very quickly and finding a prime spot in the Lakers’ rotation shortly thereafter
And now, in his fourth season, he has a 50-piece, made possible by a dominant performance against the Kings and also helped by the absences of LeBron and Luka Doncic from the lineup.
In his first role as lead singer, Reaves confirmed that he’s capable of being in that role. He followed up 51 points against the Kings with 41 the next night against Portland, with 15 rebounds and 14 assists combined.
He also received respect from the refs — good players often do — and shot 36 free throws (making 33).
“This is a small town kid from Arkansas who went undrafted, who last year averaged a 20-ball in the NBA and just had a 50-ball,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “These moments are incredible for him.”
Once LeBron and Luka return from injuries, the Lakers may have … a Big Three?
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can email him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
