As the NBA season approaches its second week, significant insights remain elusive. The Oklahoma City Thunder, however, are making headlines with their impressive performance, having clinched four consecutive double-digit victories, establishing themselves as early contenders.
In Golden State, coach Steve Kerr is experimenting with his deepest rotation yet as the team grapples with the absence of Stephen Curry due to an ankle sprain. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are struggling for cohesion, facing setbacks after a home loss to the Detroit Pistons as they await the anticipated debuts of stars Paul George and Joel Embiid for the 2024-25 season.
Other teams are beginning to showcase emerging patterns worth noting. The Los Angeles Lakers, under the guidance of coach JJ Redick, are adopting a more diligent approach focused on fundamental play. In contrast, Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic, who finished at the bottom of three-point shooting last season, appear rejuvenated and eager to unleash their long-range capabilities. As expected, the New York Knicks, following the offseason’s most significant trade prior to training camp, are confronting multiple challenges as they seek clarity on both offense and defense.
In this report, we delve into noteworthy early-season performances, highlighting an Eastern Conference powerhouse that is off to a blistering start, the exceptional midair creativity of Ja Morant, as well as the duo from New York grappling with their initial challenges.
Jump to a section:
Why the 5-0 Cavs are cruising
Did New York just unlock KAT?
Ja Morant’s floating dimes
Small sample size theater
Why the 5-0 Cavs look so dangerous under Atkinson
Cleveland Cavaliers’ new coach Kenny Atkinson has rapidly gained traction, and the team’s cohesion is already palpable. Upon entering the locker room at Madison Square Garden for halftime on Monday, the Cavaliers were acutely aware of their necessary adjustments.
Atkinson underscored his points by showing footage of a first-quarter play where the New York Knicks missed three consecutive three-pointers but corralled every offensive rebound, eventually setting up Mikal Bridges for a layup. New York had an astonishing 11 offensive rebounds in the first half alone, prompting Atkinson to leave the locker room with emphasis after his passionately delivered message.
“That was the first time he really got [angry with] us like that, so we knew it was real,” guard Darius Garland recounted, who notably scored 14 of his game-high 34 points in the final quarter, reflecting the team’s growing determination to respond.
Cleveland is still in the process of fully adapting to Atkinson’s methodologies, but the results are undeniable. With a commendable record of 5-0 for the first time since 2016, the Cavaliers’ synergy is evident; when Garland and Donovan Mitchell share the court, the team outscored their opponents by an impressive margin of 11.3 points per 100 possessions.
Garland emphasized the importance of enhancing their offensive capabilities alongside their already solid defensive foundation. The introduction of varied offensive sets, including inverted pick-and-rolls where guards screen for Mobley, is instrumental in diversifying their attack and optimizing the talents of their young star.
Coach Atkinson pointed to Mobley’s development as a crucial aspect of his strategy, saying, “I’d say that was 70% of my [job] interview. How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?” The team is not only focused on individual growth but also on building their collective prowess.
Donovan Mitchell expressed optimism about the group dynamics, labeling this stretch as the most connected the core players have experienced thus far. Yet, he cautioned about the importance of maintaining consistent focus in their pursuit of a championship-caliber team.
Morant’s elite hang time is creating thrilling buckets
In a thrilling moment during the Memphis Grizzlies’ season opener against the Utah Jazz, with the score tied at 116 and less than three minutes remaining, superstar Ja Morant exhibited his incredible skills. He dribbled his way into the paint, leaving defenders in his wake as he rose for a shot.
Morant’s hang-time artistry contributed significantly to Memphis’ victory that night, skillfully delivering a lob to Santi Aldama, who effortlessly executed a reverse layup, catching the defenders off guard. This moment exemplified Morant’s uncanny ability to manipulate defenses with his aerial prowess.
The versatility of Morant’s game has him standing out not just for his scoring ability but for his knack for creating opportunities for teammates, as he consistently makes the defense second-guess his intentions. His unique capability to hang in the air has made defenders freeze, unsure whether he’ll shoot or pass.
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau pointed out the obvious talent Morant possesses when evaluating the effectiveness of elite jump passers, likening the method to creating strategic looks based on defensive positioning. Since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, Morant has averaged an astonishing 1.46 feet in elevation when making his passes, the highest benchmark among league-leading passers.
KAT’s breakout highlights New York’s evolving offense
As discussions unfold around the impact of Karl-Anthony Towns’ addition to the New York Knicks, his initial performances offered mixed signals. Despite the team ranking third in offensive efficiency, Towns, designated as the second star alongside All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson, was only taking an average of 9.3 shots per game.
Brunson has struggled to integrate Towns effectively in their schemes, with the star center frequently underutilized in offensive setups, impacting overall team chemistry. Recognizing this shortcoming, Brunson has since committed to prioritizing Towns’ involvement in their game plan going forward.
However, an explosive 44-point game from Towns against the Miami Heat indicated his potential within the offense, demonstrating his ability to catch and shoot effectively when given the opportunity. The Knicks’ shift toward a more dynamic offensive strategy could unlock even greater offensive prowess.
The next crucial step for the Knicks will be synchronizing their offensive styles and establishing a more fluid partnership between Towns and Brunson, enabling them to create more scoring opportunities collaboratively.
Small sample size theater: Four early trends to watch
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Anthony Davis has emerged as perhaps the NBA’s most dominant player since the season’s launch, averaging 1.36 points per paint possession, the second-highest in the league among those with at least 20 touches. His contributions are vital as the Lakers strive for consistency in an uneven start.
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DeMar DeRozan is unexpectedly leading Sacramento’s defense, putting forth his best effort on that side of the ball, averaging 3.3 deflections per game while scoring consistently. His performance raises questions about his potential impact in the playoff chase.
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The Denver Nuggets’ starting five has been performing admirably, outscoring rivals comprehensively. However, the bench remains a pronounced weakness, struggling to provide scoring support and consistency.
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The Knicks, lauded for their defensive wing play, currently surrender the most points per isolation possession, a figure they must bring down amid tough competition.
**Interview with Chris Herring on Early NBA Season Developments**
**Interviewer:** Chris, thanks for joining us today. As we dive into the NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are grabbing headlines with their impressive start. What can you tell us about their performance so far?
**Chris Herring:** Thanks for having me! The Thunder have been phenomenal. Clinching four consecutive double-digit victories is no small feat, and they’re not just winning—they’re winning convincingly. They seem to have found a rhythm early on, which positions them as serious contenders in the Western Conference. Their young core is maturing, and it’s exciting to watch how they’re developing that winning mentality.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of contenders, the Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a strong 5-0 start under new coach Kenny Atkinson. What do you think has been the key to their success early in the season?
**Chris Herring:** The chemistry is really striking. Atkinson has brought a sense of urgency and focus to the team. The players are responding well to his methods, especially with how they’ve integrated varied offensive sets. Darius Garland has also stepped up considerably, which has been crucial. Their ability to adapt quickly is impressive, and they’re showcasing a strong defensive foundation paired with an evolving offense.
**Interviewer:** On a different note, how is the Golden State Warriors’ approach changing without Stephen Curry?
**Chris Herring:** It’s a crucial time for them. Steve Kerr is experimenting with his lineup, which tells you they’re trying to find the best combinations without their superstar. The absence of Curry forces other players to step up, and this is a valuable opportunity for depth players to gain experience. However, they have to be cautious; they need to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference while waiting for Curry’s return.
**Interviewer:** Moving over to the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers are struggling a bit. What’s your take on their situation and the anticipated debuts of Paul George and Joel Embiid?
**Chris Herring:** The 76ers are definitely in a tricky spot. They are lacking cohesion, which can be difficult to overcome early in the season. The good news is that once George and Embiid come back, they could provide a significant boost. They just need to focus on gelling as a unit, especially since they’ve already faced some setbacks. Timing their returns and integrating them smoothly into the lineup will be key.
**Interviewer:** Ja Morant’s talent has been on full display this season. Can you elaborate on his unique style and impact?
**Chris Herring:** Absolutely! Morant is creating highlights with his exceptional hang-time and creativity. He has this incredible knack for making plays that not only elevate his game but also enhance the opportunities for his teammates. His ability to freeze defenders with his aerial skills makes it incredibly difficult for opponents to anticipate whether he’ll score or set up a teammate. He’s definitely one of the most electrifying players to watch this season.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what about the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns’ integration with the team? Is there promise there?
**Chris Herring:** There’s potential, but it’s clear that it’s a work in progress. Towns remains underutilized in their offensive setups, which is concerning. Despite being third in offensive efficiency, they need to find a way to better integrate him with Jalen Brunson. Getting him more involved could lead to a stronger overall performance and help address some of the challenges they’re facing.
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Chris! It sounds like there’s plenty to look forward to as the season unfolds.
**Chris Herring:** Definitely! The early season always brings surprises and stories that keep us intrigued. Let’s see how things develop!
