The 2025-26 NBA season has reached its first quarter, revealing stark contrasts in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City Thunder lead with an A+ and a 20-1 record, while Los Angeles Clippers earn an F- at 5-16. Grades highlight strong performances from top teams and struggles at the bottom.
The Western Conference has shown extremes early in the 2025-26 season, with top teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder dominating and bottom feeders like the Los Angeles Clippers faltering.
Top Performers
The Thunder earn an A+ with a 20-1 record, fifth in offense, first in defense, and first in net rating at +15.3. They've achieved this without their regular starting lineup together, winning 18 of 19 games without Jalen Williams. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages nearly a point per minute and 43% on pull-up threes, while Chet Holmgren grows as an off-dribble scorer.
The Denver Nuggets receive an A at 14-6, leading the league in offense and third in net rating (+8.8). Nikola Jokić delivers his finest season, scoring 127.6 points per 100 possessions on the court with a 72.8% true shooting percentage. Cam Johnson averages 17.6 points on 77% true shooting in recent games, though Aaron Gordon's hamstring injury has weakened defense.
Houston Rockets get an A with a 13-5 record, second in net rating (+10.9). Without a traditional point guard after Fred VanVleet's injury, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard have stepped up, with Sheppard proving a top three-point shooter.
San Antonio Spurs earn an A- at 13-6, top-10 in both offense and defense when Victor Wembanyama plays. De'Aaron Fox averages 24 points on 50% shooting, aiding the team during Wembanyama's 12-game absence due to a calf strain.
Los Angeles Lakers hold a B+ at 15-5, with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves pacing for the highest-scoring duo in history. LeBron James adds pace upon return, though defense ranks 18th.
Struggling Teams
The Clippers' F- reflects their 5-16 mark, 24th in net rating (-6.3), plagued by an aging roster and poor rebounding. James Harden performs well, but the team excels only in three-point shooting.
New Orleans Pelicans get an F at 3-18, worst in net rating (-10.4). Zion Williamson is 1-9 in games played, and Dejounte Murray is injured. Derik Queen shines as a draft steal.
Sacramento Kings receive an F, 29th in net rating (-10.4), bad across most metrics despite Domantas Sabonis leading in rebounds.
Other grades include B+ for Phoenix Suns (13-9) and Portland Trail Blazers (8-12), B for Utah Jazz (7-13), B- for Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8), C- for Golden State Warriors (11-10) and Memphis Grizzlies (9-12), and D for Dallas Mavericks.
Injuries and trades, like Ja Morant's issues in Memphis and Anthony Davis's trade challenges in Dallas, add uncertainty as the season progresses.