The NBA’s 2024-25 opening week is in full swing, already delivering loads of drama.
Tuesday noticed the Los Angeles Lakers ship a press release win in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of many preseason favorites to succeed in the Finals, with a 107-100 victory.
Wednesday’s motion introduced much more surprises. The Charlotte Hornets stormed again from an 18-point deficit to stun the Houston Rockets, 110-105. Then, the Orlando Magic spoiled Pat Riley’s night time, handing the Warmth a powerful 116-97 defeat in a recreation meant to honor the Miami president together with his identify on the Kaseya Heart courtroom.
Listed here are three overreactions to probably the most stunning video games of the week.
The Lakers will end with a top-4 seed within the Western Convention
Regardless of boasting Anthony Davis, a perennial Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate, at heart, the Lakers struggled defensively final season underneath head coach Darvin Ham. Opponents constantly discovered open appears from past 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 brand new period of defensive depth in L.A. Redick’s philosophy revolves round versatility, demanding that guards battle facilities within the submit and bigs swap onto speedy perimeter gamers. This dedication to defensive element was on full show within the Lakers’ season-opening victory in opposition to the Timberwolves.
