The 2025 NBA season kicked off in earnest on Wednesday with 12 video games going down throughout the league.
It comes after the traditional curtain-raiser of final yr’s champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving their championship rings and opening the new season on Tuesday. The Thunder then beat the Houston Rockets in a double-OT thriller whereas the Golden State Warriors have been victorious on the street towards the Los Angeles Lakers.
Here’s what you missed from Wednesday’s motion throughout the NBA.
Arguably the recreation of the evening got here from Texas the place the first total decide in the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg, confronted one other younger sensation in the type of Victor Wembanyama.
Flagg enters the league seen as a possible franchise participant, however on Wednesday, he was totally outshone by the 21-year-old Frenchman.
Wembanyama had 40 factors, 15 rebounds and three blocks in half-hour in a snug 125-92 Spurs win. It was a dominant show from the No. 1 decide in the 2023 Draft during which he was serenaded with “M-V-P!” chants regardless of the recreation going down in Dallas’ American Airlines Center.
It was an actual marker of Wembanyama’s progress in the league having missed the finish of final season with a blood clot issue. His efficiency on Wednesday displayed why he’s such a troublesome prospect for opposing defenses, along with his size resulting in straightforward dunks, unimaginable ball-handling and three-point taking pictures, all whereas being 7-foot-4, one thing not seen earlier than in the NBA.
And on the defensive facet of the court docket, Wembanyama persistently broke up the Mavs on offense, his lengthy arms usually deflecting tried passes or influencing photographs.
“We needed to make a statement,” Wembanyama stated afterwards.
“We’re all tired of losing, and that’s the truth.”
For Flagg, it was a troublesome begin to life in the NBA, ending with 10 factors and 10 rebounds. Better days will come for the 18-year-old, however he appeared hesitant as he made his first splash into the professional recreation.
“I thought Cooper played within himself. He took what the defense gave him,” Dallas head coach Jason Kidd stated afterwards.
If “Wemby” seems to be this good the remainder of the yr – and his profession – the league will probably be on discover.
While Flagg struggled in his first recreation, the similar can’t be stated of VJ Edgecombe, the third total decide this yr.
Edgecombe made historical past in his Philadelphia 76ers debut, scoring 34 factors, a franchise document and the third most ever by a rookie in his NBA debut, per the league.
His 34 factors are solely overwhelmed by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain’s 43 in 1959 and Frank Selvy’s 35 in 1954.
Edgecombe’s large recreation got here in the 76ers’ slim 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics.
The 20-year-old was solely outscored by fellow Philly guard Tyrese Maxey, who had 40 factors on an environment friendly 54.2% from the discipline. Conversely, 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid had simply 4 factors in 20 minutes on the ground.
Boston was with out its most vital participant, Jayson Tatum, who will miss most of the season with a torn Achilles tendon suffered throughout final season’s playoff run.
Wednesday’s recreation between the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards was an emotional one, particularly for Khris Middleton.
Middleton was making his first look in Milwaukee since leaving in the offseason after spending 12 years with the group. He performed a significant position in the Bucks successful the 2020-21 NBA title, the franchise’s first title in 50 years.
Middleton was given a number of standing ovations from the Milwaukee crowd at Fiserv Forum, together with when his title was launched earlier than tip-off, throughout a tribute video to the ahead throughout a timeout in the first quarter and when he checked out of the recreation close to the finish.
“To get that type of recognition, appreciation from the city, the organization, I mean, that meant the world to me,” Middleton stated afterwards.
“To get a standing ovation on the road doesn’t happen often, so I wanted to make sure that they knew I acknowledge them. Even though I really don’t speak too much or do too much, but that really meant a lot. That’s every player’s dream to get a standing ovation no matter where they’re at.”
On the court docket although, things weren’t as accommodating for Middleton and his Wizards.
Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks ran out snug winners by a 133-120 scoreline.
The “Greek Freak” completed with 37 factors, 14 rebounds and 5 assists in 27 minutes.