November 17th 2024.
The Denver Nuggets had just wrapped up a successful five-game homestand, and to top it off, they were given a rare four-day break between games. It was a well-deserved rest for a team that had turned things around after a rough 0-2 start to the season. However, not everyone was convinced that the Nuggets' success would last. Many had doubts about their roster and their ability to compete in the tough Western Conference. And these doubts had been lingering long before the season even began.
As an NBA reporter, I've been keeping an eye on the league and there have been a few other storylines that have caught me by surprise in the first three weeks of basketball. One of the biggest surprises has been the struggles of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite reaching the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, they faced criticism for not being able to make it past the first round. But with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo facing injuries in both seasons, I didn't think it was fair to judge their potential as contenders. Plus, they had made some promising offseason moves, like acquiring Gary Trent Jr. However, the Bucks had a rough start to the season, losing eight of their first ten games. It was a shock to see a team that boasts a player like Giannis struggling on both ends of the court.
And while it's expected to see other top teams in the Eastern Conference, like the Cleveland Cavaliers, surpass the Bucks, it's surprising to see the Brooklyn Nets also outshine them. I had pegged the Nets as a top team in the East, but they have yet to live up to those expectations. Former Nuggets assistant coach Jordi Fernandez has done a great job with the team, leading them to a 5-6 record and almost pulling off some major upsets against top teams like Cleveland, Boston, and even Denver. The Nets' win over the Bucks may not be as impressive now, but it's still worth noting in light of their recent struggles.
Another unexpected storyline has been the rise of Jay Huff in Memphis. This 27-year-old center had previously gone through several teams without making much of an impact. But now, he's finding stardom with the Grizzlies, averaging 10 points and 1.8 blocks off the bench. His impressive play has earned him a standard NBA contract, and he's even shooting 44% from the 3-point line. On a team that had uncertainty in their center rotation and reached for a rookie at ninth overall in the draft, Huff has become one of the feel-good stories of the season.
One thing that hasn't been surprising is the wide gap between the Western and Eastern Conferences. I had a hunch that the East would be more competitive this season, but I was wrong. At the start of the NBA Cup games, there were 10 teams with a winning record in the West, while the East only had two. Even the third-place team in the East wouldn't make the playoffs if they were in the West. And the head-to-head record between conferences is heavily skewed towards the West, with 35 wins compared to the East's 15. Of course, this could change as the season progresses and injuries start to take their toll, but for now, it's clear that the West is the superior conference.
As for individual performances, it's no surprise that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is once again a top contender for the award. But what's unexpected is his stiffest competition so far: Anthony Davis. After a disappointing season last year, Davis has been on fire, leading the league in scoring with 30.2 points per game. And while Luka Doncic was expected to be a strong contender for MVP, he's had a slow start to the season. His efficiency has been low, and his team has been struggling to close out close games. On the other hand, Davis has been playing at an MVP level and has helped the Lakers rank fifth in offensive rating.
Lastly, the NBA Cup has been a surprisingly fun addition to the season. It's like the league's version of the NCAA Tournament, with underdog teams pulling off upsets and playing for a prize before the monotony of a draft lottery-bound season sets in. On the first night of games, the Hawks, Trail Blazers, and Pistons all pulled off unexpected wins. And while some expected the Timberwolves to struggle after trading away star player Karl-Anthony Towns, it's clear that their new-look lineup is still trying to find their rhythm. On the other hand, the tournament has also revealed some teams' struggles, like the Bucks' inability to adapt to new additions.
All in all, the first three weeks of basketball have been full of surprises, both good and bad. But one thing is for sure, the NBA season is off to an exciting start, and I can't wait to see what else is in store. Want more Nuggets news? Be sure to sign up for the Nuggets Insider to get all the latest analysis and updates.
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