Thunder Stay Perfect as Knicks and Spurs Struggle in Week One

The NBA has begun its 2026-27 campaign with a mix of dominant teams and unexpected stumbles. ESPN's panel of writers released its first Power Rankings, placing the Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the league despite injuries.

The Thunder are 4-0, following their 2024-25 championship. They remain unbeaten even with Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace on the injury report. Ajay Mitchell provided the offensive spark in Monday's win over the Suns, recording a career-high 30 points and five assists in his first start of the season.

Three other Western Conference teams share a perfect record. The Houston Rockets are 4-0, marking their first such start since 2014-15. Fred VanVleet returned from a torn ACL, and Kevin Durant has scored at least 20 points in four straight games. Alperen Sengun recorded multiple games with at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, joining a small group of Rockets to achieve that feat in a season opener stretch. The Memphis Grizzlies are also 4-0. Ty Jerome leads the league in scoring with 29.8 points per game, including a 45-point performance in his first game.

In the East, the Philadelphia 76ers started strong. LeBron James scored in a victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, which occurred immediately after New York's championship ring ceremony. The Knicks have lost three of their first four games. They rank last in the league in offensive efficiency and raw scoring. Jalen Brunson noted that the team becomes comfortable after trailing, following a loss to Orlando where the Magic scored 40 points in the fourth quarter.

The San Antonio Spurs, who reached the Finals in June, are 1-3. Coach Mitch Johnson stated that the team's floor is too low. The team is adjusting to a new starting five while facing strong opponents early. Minnesota's start also faces a hurdle. The Timberwolves were 3-1, but sources told Shams Charania that Anthony Edwards will miss up to two months after right knee surgery. The team's offense, which had a 120.8 rating with Edwards and LaMelo Ball on the court, will miss its primary scorer for several weeks.

Other teams show mixed results. The Toronto Raptors will be without Kawhi Leonard for weeks due to left knee soreness. In his absence, Scottie Barnes shot 0-for-12 in a 117-94 loss. The Denver Nuggets are 1-2 after a turbulent homestand. They beat the Pelicans in overtime after trailing by 23 points, but Nikola Jokic criticized the fans afterward. Denver then lost to the previously winless Warriors at home. The Lakers' Austin Reaves averages a career-best 26.7 points, while Luka Doncic averages 34.3. The Pistons are shooting 42% from three-point range, led by Duncan Robinson at 54%.

Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton returns after 16 months, averaging 21.8 points and 9.5 assists. Charlotte's new players, Grayson Allen and Naz Reid, combine for 36.3 points per game. The Washington Wizards balance youth and veterans, with Alex Sarr averaging 8.8 points, down from 16.3 last season, as they manage minutes for Trae Young and Anthony Davis.