The NBA’s 2024-25 opening week is in full swing, already delivering plenty of drama.
Tuesday saw the Los Angeles Lakers deliver a statement win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the preseason favorites to reach the Finals, with a 107-100 victory.
Wednesday’s action brought even more surprises. The Charlotte Hornets stormed back from an 18-point deficit to stun the Houston Rockets, 110-105. Then, the Orlando Magic spoiled Pat Riley’s night, handing the Heat a resounding 116-97 defeat in a game meant to honor the Miami president with his name on the Kaseya Center court.
Here are three overreactions to the most surprising games of the week.
The Lakers will finish with a top-4 seed in the Western Conference
Despite boasting Anthony Davis, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, at center, the Lakers struggled defensively last season under head coach Darvin Ham. Opponents consistently found open looks from beyond the arc, exploiting L.A.’s lackluster defensive schemes.
The numbers don’t lie: L.A. ranked 25th in opponent three-point percentage (37.6%) and a mediocre 17th-place finish in overall Defensive Rating.
Enter head coach JJ Redick, who has ushered in a new era of defensive intensity in L.A. Redick’s philosophy revolves around versatility, demanding that guards battle centers in the post and bigs switch onto speedy perimeter players. This commitment to defensive detail was on full display in the Lakers’ season-opening victory against the Timberwolves.
