Overreactions to the opening week of the NBA season

Redick implemented a switch-heavy scheme that kept Minnesota’s offense off balance. Anthony Davis frequently guarded Anthony Edwards on the perimeter, effectively disrupting the Timberwolves star and forcing him out of his comfort zone. 

Most importantly, the Lakers were locked in on rotations. When a pass was made, they flew to contest shooters, closing out with a purpose and providing timely help defense. In the end, Minnesota shot 31.7% from beyond the arc and 41.2% overall from the field.

The Hornets will fight for a playoff seed

Under new head coach Charles Lee, fresh off a 2024 championship as an assistant with the Boston Celtics, the Hornets looked transformed throughout the preseason. They played with a level of defensive intensity that Charlotte hasn’t seen in years — mixing it up on every possession.

This defensive grit carried over into their season opener against the Rockets. Newcomers Moussa Diabate and Grant Williams showed no fear, going toe-to-toe with rising star Alperen Sengun and effectively limiting his impact in the paint. 

Meanwhile, incumbents Nick Richards and Miles Bridges embraced the team’s new defensive identity. Richards was a force around the rim, contesting 10 shots, while Bridges actively harassed ball-handlers and contested five shots himself.

LaMelo Ball was easily the best player on the court against the Rockets, showcasing his quick-sling three-pointer, shifty first step and elite playmaking ability. Even with ace ballhawk Dillon Brooks draped all over him, and Houston’s perimeter defenders swarming, Ball thrived in crunch time, shooting an impressive 66.7% and dishing out a pivotal assist to help seal the game.

The Heat will miss the postseason

When Pat Riley opted not to extend Jimmy Butler’s contract this offseason, it set the stage for two possible outcomes: “chip-on-his-shoulder” Butler determined to prove his worth, or a disengaged Butler, echoing his tumultuous final days in Minnesota, which culminated in a trade request. Early indications suggest the latter, and it’s a worrying sign for a Heat team hoping to contend.

Butler managed a mere 1-for-8 from the field in a performance that can only be described as half-hearted. Even more alarming was his lackadaisical defense. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero repeatedly exploited his passivity, each shooting a blistering 75% against him.

While Erik Spoelstra remains among the league’s top coaches and Bam Adebayo anchors the team as an All-Star center, the Heat’s fate rests on Jimmy Butler’s shoulders. 

If Wednesday’s lackluster performance is any indication of his mindset, this season could be a long one for Heat fans.