Oct 30, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The 2023 NBA season is underway! We have now had a week to get a look at the teams and how they play. Here are 5 thoughts from the opening week of the 2023 NBA season.
Can Anyone Stop The Nuggets In The 2023 NBA Season?
There is no sign of a post-championship hangover in Denver. The Nuggets started the week 4-0 and in every game, they felt in complete control. The starting five is as efficient as ever and the bench pieces have stepped up. While everyone has been hyping up the Lakers, Suns, and other teams full of superstars, the Nuggets continue to win games. The wins haven’t just been against easy teams either. While the Grizzlies and the Jazz were expected victories, an opening night win against the Lakers and a drubbing of the 3-1 Thunder are impressive victories. This team is going to be hard to beat and right now looks primed to repeat.
Kristaps Porzingis Looks Like The Perfect Fit
In the other conference, the Celtics are looking unstoppable right now. A big reason is the play of Porzingis. Because he spent last year on the Wizards, his play went largely unnoticed but last year he was very good on a bad team. Now that he is surrounded by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday, the floor has opened up for him. The question for him has always been health but honestly, you could say that for any player. Many questioned getting rid of Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogden to go with Porzingis but that looks like the perfect move.
The Giannis-Lillard Combo Needs Time
The Milwaukee Bucks are the other favorite to come out of the East after the Damian Lillard acquisition. He and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the pick-and-roll looked devastating on paper. On the court, it needs a little time. They aren’t quite in sync. This is not something that anyone should panic about as I’m sure these two veterans will figure it out but many expected to see the dominance right away. The Bucks will be fine but this team led by first-year head coach Adrian Griffin needs to find their sea legs in the 2023 NBA season.
Ausar Thompson Is The Early Frontrunner For ROTY
I will admit my bias here. I grew up in Michigan and have an affinity for the Pistons. However, Thompson has been amazing. While Victor Wembanyama has been racking up the highlights, Thompson has been just as good. His scoring output hasn’t been there but that is partly due to the presence of Cade Cunningham and other scorers. His rebounding, playmaking, and defense have been elite. He is averaging 10.5 rebounds (many of them being offensive rebounds) per game to go along with 4.3 assists and 2.5 blocks. While he makes rookie mistakes, he is an overall positive for the team. Wembanyama might get the award in the long run but Thompson should give him a run for his money.
Luka Doncic Looks Better Than Ever
It has only been three games and that is a small sample size but look at these stats. Doncic is averaging 39 points per game, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. He himself willed his team to a 3-0 opening week record. In the game against the Nets, he had four straight threes with one of them being a ridiculous, late-in-the-shot clock, bank shot. Most notably, he is also making pieces around him better leading to a winning record. I have concerns about the team long-term if Doncic has to do this much but man is it fun to watch.
The 2023 NBA season is off to a fun start. A lot can change but for us NBA fans we can sit and enjoy the ride.
