Bulls Unbeaten, Wembanyama Dominates: NBA’s Wild First Ten Days
The 2025-26 NBA season is barely a week old, and already it’s delivering a tidal wave of surprises. From the Chicago Bulls’ improbable rise to the top of the league to Victor Wembanyama’s emergence as a potential MVP candidate, the early storylines are rewriting expectations. This isn’t just a hot start; it’s a potential paradigm shift, and we’re breaking down the biggest developments right here.
Chicago’s Buzelis Bulls: A Real Deal or a Flash in the Pan?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Chicago Bulls are 4-0. Yes, that Chicago Bulls. Led by the impressive sophomore leap of Matas Buzelis (averaging 17 points on 51% shooting), the Bulls are playing with a defensive intensity that has shocked the league – currently ranked third in defensive efficiency. A revitalized bench, fueled by Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, and Patrick Williams, is adding crucial scoring punch. They’re also running at a fast pace, ranking sixth in the league. While skepticism is warranted – this level of success is unlikely to be sustained indefinitely – the Bulls are undeniably fun to watch and a legitimate early-season story.
KD’s Houston Revolution: Instant Offense
The Houston Rockets made a bold move bringing in Kevin Durant this offseason, and it’s already paying dividends. Houston boasts the NBA’s best offense (125.2 points per 100 possessions), a direct result of Durant’s scoring prowess. He’s averaging 27.5 points, shooting 52% from the field and 37% from three, and crucially, delivering 9.7 points per game in the fourth quarter. Durant isn’t just scoring; he’s closing games. The Rockets are still ironing out defensive kinks and navigating the absence of Fred VanVleet, but Durant’s offensive impact is undeniable. This is a team built to score, and they’re doing it at an elite level.
Mavs Struggle Without Kyrie: Point Guard Woes
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a harsh reality without Kyrie Irving. D’Angelo Russell is struggling to consistently create offense, and rookie Cooper Flagg is showing his inexperience at the point guard position. Injuries to key frontcourt players like Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Anthony Davis are compounding the problem. As a result, the Mavericks currently have the 29th-ranked offense in the NBA. Finding a reliable ball-handler and stabilizing the frontcourt are critical for Dallas to turn their season around.
Rookie Class Shining: A Historic Vintage?
The 2025 NBA Draft class is making an immediate impact. VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers is leading the charge with 22.3 points per game, even with Paul George sidelined and Joel Embiid playing limited minutes. Dylan Harper is impressing off the bench for San Antonio, Cooper Flagg is showing flashes of potential, and Cedric Coward is a revelation for the Grizzlies. Other notable rookies include Tre Johnson (Wizards), Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans), Kon Knueppel, and Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets). This rookie class has the potential to be truly special, and their early performances are a promising sign.
Kuminga’s Transformation: Warriors’ Unexpected Boost
Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Golden State Warriors was uncertain this summer, but a short contract extension and a renewed commitment have unlocked his potential. He’s averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting over 55% from the field and 45% from three. Kuminga isn’t just putting up numbers; he’s playing with intensity, making smart decisions, and fitting seamlessly into the Warriors’ system. He’s become an almost indispensable part of the Warriors’ rotation.
Thunder’s Mitchell Emerges: OKC’s Bench Strength
Ajay Mitchell, a sophomore with the Oklahoma City Thunder, is making a name for himself. Stepping up in the absence of Jalen Williams, Mitchell has become a key contributor off the bench for the undefeated Thunder. His emergence adds another layer of depth and talent to an already formidable OKC roster.
Magic’s Struggles: Bane’s Impact Not Enough
The Orlando Magic’s offseason acquisition of Desmond Bane hasn’t translated into the expected offensive boost. Orlando is struggling offensively, ranking among the bottom ten in the league, and is particularly poor from three-point range (25% shooting). The offense, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, is predictable and lacks rhythm. Their defense has also taken a significant step back. The Magic need to find a way to unlock their offensive potential and rediscover their defensive identity.
Heat on Fire: Spoelstra’s Offensive Revolution
The Miami Heat are off to a scorching start, averaging over 125 points per game – a dramatic improvement from their offensive struggles last season. Erik Spoelstra has completely overhauled the Heat’s offensive system, emphasizing pace, movement, and relentless attack. Miami has gone from 27th in offensive efficiency last year to first this year. And they’re still one of the league’s best defensive teams. This is a Heat team playing with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.
Free Throw Frenzy: A League-Wide Trend
A significant increase in free throw attempts is shaping the early part of the season. Teams are averaging almost 27 free throws per game, six more than last season. This surge is likely due to increased emphasis on driving to the basket and drawing contact. Six teams are attempting at least 30 free throws per game, and six players are averaging at least ten attempts per game. This trend is impacting scoring and game flow across the league.
The Wembanyama Era Has Begun
Victor Wembanyama is living up to the hype. In his third NBA season, “Wemby” is dominating on both ends of the court, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 5-0 start – the franchise’s best start in history. He’s a defensive force, an unstoppable offensive weapon, and a legitimate contender for both Defensive Player of the Year and MVP. At just 21 years old, Wembanyama is poised to become one of the league’s most dominant players.
The NBA season is young, but the early returns are captivating. The unexpected success of the Bulls, the offensive firepower of the Rockets, and the emergence of Wembanyama are just a few of the storylines that will define the 2025-26 season. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage, in-depth analysis, and the latest breaking news from around the league. Don’t miss our upcoming deep dive into the free throw trend and its impact on the game!
