The NBA season has started in full swing, with a range of players delivering major offensive performances right from opening night. Remarkably, as many as five players scored at least 40 points on the first day of the season—a new league record.
The elite group includes Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, and Aaron Gordon, according to ESPN Insights.
Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio to a dominant 125-92 road victory over Dallas, putting up 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks on 15-of-21 shooting. His performance set a Spurs record for most points scored in a season opener.
Anthony Edwards also shone brightly, scoring 41 points alongside seven rebounds. He sealed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 118-114 win over Portland with a clutch step-back mid-range jumper in the final seconds. The Timberwolves rallied in the fourth quarter, holding the Blazers to just 4-of-19 shooting.
Aaron Gordon exploded for a career-high 50 points on an incredibly efficient 17-of-21 shooting, including 10-of-11 from three-point range with eight consecutive makes from deep. Despite his brilliant effort, the Denver Nuggets fell to the Golden State Warriors 137-131. Gordon’s performance marked the most efficient 50-point game by true shooting percentage in NBA history.
Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points to help lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a narrow 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics. Rookie VJ Edgecombe also made headlines, contributing 34 points in his NBA debut—the most points scored in a debut since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959.
Luka Dončić kicked off his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers impressively, posting 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists on 17-of-27 shooting. He joined Lakers legends Kobe Bryant and Elgin Baylor as players to score over 40 points in a season opener. However, despite his effort, the Lakers fell to Golden State amid turnover issues and a decisive third-quarter swing.
Although two of these outstanding performances came in losing efforts, all five players showcased exceptional skill and scoring ability in their first official games of the season.
Adding to the early offensive fireworks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 55 points in just his second game, further highlighting the impressive start from several NBA superstars.
With talent like this lighting up the league from the outset, fans can expect an exciting and high-scoring season ahead.
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