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Three takeaways from Week 1 of the NBA season
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Three takeaways from Week 1 of the NBA season

By Ethan Temkin  |  Last updated 10/29/23

The NBA is finally back, and after an exciting slate that featured 14 games decided by five points or less, here are three key takeaways from this first week of NBA action.

The Denver Nuggets are head and shoulders above everyone else

After three convincing wins, the reigning-champion Denver Nuggets have already established themselves as head and shoulders above everyone else in the NBA. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is making mincemeat of opposing defenses with 26.3 points, 13 rebounds and 7.7 assists, and it doesn't even look like he's breaking a sweat.

Jamal Murray looks ready to take the next leap into star player territory and is actively making his case to be on this year's All-Star team, while the forward tandem of Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. provides the perfect balance of offense and defense for this team.

While the loss of Bruce Brown in the offseason was a huge blow to this team, guard Reggie Jackson has stepped up in his absence, providing a stabilizing force in those crucial non-Jokic minutes.

The Nuggets have a great deal of continuity from last year's championship-winning roster, and it shows on the court, with the team already possessing a deep understanding of where each player is going to be at all times.

Even though the Western Conference appears to be loaded with talented teams, the road to the NBA Finals still goes through the Mile High City.

Victor Wembanyama has already arrived

The highly anticipated debut of Victor Wembanyama didn't disappoint with the No. 1 overall pick putting on a dazzling display against the Houston Rockets in his second NBA game. In the 126-122 overtime victory over the Rockets, Wembanyama had 21 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. He also had three blocks, with two coming on back-to-back shot attempts from forward Jabari Smith Jr. with the game in the balance. 

His offense still needs some time to come along, or rather, his teammates need to recognize the fact they're playing with a 7-foot-4 unicorn and get him the ball more. Defensively is where Wembanyama is already beginning to make an impact. Opponents actively avoid the paint when he's there, and his 8-foot wingspan allows him to contest — and occasionally block — their jump shots. 

Imagine trying to get a clean shot off with a person like this coming at you.

Wembanyama is only scratching the surface of his limitless potential, and it only took one week of being in the NBA for him to become a must-watch player for the rest of the season.

Tyrese Maxey's early MIP campaign

With each game Tyrese Maxey plays, the decision for the Philadelphia 76ers to trade James Harden becomes easier. The lightning-quick guard is entering his fourth season with the 76ers and has established himself as a potent offensive option for this team.

Against a tough Milwaukee Bucks defense, Maxey scored 31 points and had eight assists and followed that up 34 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a 114-107 victory against the Toronto Raptors.

Last season Maxey became one of the premier young talents in the league, averaging 20.3 points and 43.4 percent shooting from three. Through three games this season, the fourth-year guard is averaging 30.3 points, 6.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds. 

As things currently stand, Maxey is the No. 2 option behind reigning MVP Joel Embiid, and if he can maintain this level of production — and there's no reason to think he'll be unable to given his role in the offense — he shoots to the top of the list of Most Improved Player Award candidates.

He's also just a fun player to watch.

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