The 2025-26 NBA season has reached its one-month mark, prompting a review of standout performances and struggles. Oklahoma City Thunder lead the West at 17-1, while Toronto Raptors emerge as a surprise at 12-5. Luka Dončić leads the Lakers to a 12-4 start and positions himself as an MVP contender.
As the 2025-26 NBA season completes its first month, several teams and players have exceeded or fallen short of expectations. The Oklahoma City Thunder sit at 17-1 in the Western Conference, avoiding a championship hangover and raising talks of breaking the 73-win record set by the 2016 Warriors. In contrast, the Washington Wizards have just one win and risk a winless November.
The Los Angeles Lakers boast a 12-4 record, driven by Luka Dončić, who leads the league in scoring with four 40-point games and is averaging nearly a triple-double while showing improved defense. Dončić, with third-best MVP odds at +400 on FanDuel, entered the season in top form after a motivated summer. LeBron James debuted on November 18 following a sciatica absence. In the East, the Detroit Pistons hold a 14-2 mark, while the New York Knicks sit at 9-6 but struggle on the road (1-5) with an 18th-ranked defense, attempting 43.0 three-pointers per game at 36.6% under coach Mike Brown.
Key Superlatives
- Most Surprising Team: Toronto Raptors (12-5, seven-game win streak, including victories over Bucks, Cavaliers, and 76ers twice). Their offense ranks fifth league-wide, defense seventh, powered by Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes.
- Most Disappointing Team: Los Angeles Clippers (5-12). The oldest roster suffered a season-ending fractured hip for Bradley Beal and missed Kawhi Leonard for 10 games; they went 3-3 with him healthy, with bottom-tier offense and defense. James Harden, 36, leads in usage and minutes.
- MVP Frontrunner: Luka Dončić, dominant from the start unlike his usual slow beginnings.
- Biggest Overachiever: Chicago Bulls, who started 5-0 but went 4-7 next, now seventh in East with 20th-ranked defense. Positives include All-Star-level play from Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis' growth, and Ayo Dosunmu as a Sixth Man candidate.
- Trade Candidate: Ja Morant, amid arguments with coach Tuomas Iisalo, a one-game suspension, and statements about losing joy for basketball; Grizzlies are 6-11.
- Third-Year Leap: Keyonte George (Utah Jazz), averaging 22.8 points, 7.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds; 74% at rim (84th percentile), 48% mid-range.
- Underrated Rookie: Derik Queen (Pelicans), 6-foot-10 with 17.6 points, 8 rebounds, 5.4 assists over last five starts at 49.2% FG; recent 20-11-7 vs. Mavericks.
- Drama-Filled Team: Dallas Mavericks (5-13), who fired GM Nico Harrison after fan chants during a Bucks loss; trade rumors swirl except for Cooper Flagg.
- Injury Notes: Victor Wembanyama out weeks with calf strain; his highlights remain a highlight.
- Worst NBA Cup Court: Minnesota Timberwolves' bright green design drew criticism for eye strain.
These early trends suggest a competitive season ahead in a weakened East.