Early-Season NBA Surprises: Wembanyama’s Wizardry, Sixers’ Hot Start, and Other Eye-Opening Performances

The 2025-26 NBA season is already off to an exciting start, with surprises aplenty through the first few weeks of action. As the league’s usual contenders look to solidify their place, new faces and unexpected performances are turning heads. From breakout players like Tyrese Maxey to the continued magic of Victor Wembanyama, the early weeks have shown plenty of unpredictability. Below, we break down some of the most notable early-season surprises and what they could mean for the rest of the campaign.

Philadelphia 76ers: Flying High Despite Injuries

Few expected the Philadelphia 76ers to be undefeated this early in the season, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding key players. With Joel Embiid on a minutes restriction and Paul George yet to take the court, the Sixers have defied expectations with an impressive 4-0 record. Despite these challenges, the team’s resilience has been on full display.

The Sixers have defeated quality teams like Boston and Orlando—both considered top contenders in the Eastern Conference—without missing a beat. Tyrese Maxey, who has been one of the league’s most electrifying players, currently leads the NBA in scoring, putting up 37.5 points per game. With contributions from rookie VJ Edgecombe and a rejuvenated backcourt, Philadelphia looks primed for a deep playoff push, even with the roster in flux.

Zach Harper from The Athletic notes that this early success could propel the Sixers beyond the play-in tournament, with their quick backcourt and new-found cohesion making them one of the most intriguing teams in the East.

Orlando Magic: Struggling with Familiar Issues

On the flip side, the Orlando Magic have been one of the biggest disappointments early in the season. Despite high expectations, especially with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the charge, the Magic’s offense and defense have both fallen short.

While poor shooting from beyond the arc has been a known issue, it’s Orlando’s defense that has caught many off guard. Last season, the Magic boasted one of the best defensive records in the league, but through the first few games, they’ve slipped to 16th in defensive efficiency. Desmond Bane, a key scorer, has struggled from three, and the team seems unable to find the same defensive identity that made them formidable last year.

Chicago Bulls: Surprising Early-Season Competitiveness

In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs have quickly become one of the league’s most exciting teams. While everyone knew that Victor Wembanyama would make an impact, his early performances have been even more extraordinary than expected.

The Spurs have jumped to a 4-0 record, showcasing a level of dominance that’s hard to ignore. Although their opponents so far haven’t been the toughest, the Spurs have outscored opponents by an impressive 15.6 points per 100 possessions. This efficiency, particularly with a young roster, shows that San Antonio is already developing solid team chemistry under head coach Gregg Popovich. While it’s likely that their schedule will get tougher, this early dominance bodes well for their long-term prospects.

Early Standouts: Victor Wembanyama and Tyrese Maxey

In terms of individual performances, Victor Wembanyama has been nothing short of magical. Already looking like one of the most promising young stars in the NBA, the Spurs rookie has been living up to the hype. Whether it’s his shot-blocking prowess or scoring ability, Wembanyama is already making an impact on both ends of the floor.

On the other side of the league, Tyrese Maxey has been scorching hot for the 76ers. Currently leading the league in scoring, Maxey has emerged as a legitimate All-NBA candidate with his dazzling play. Averaging 37.5 points per game, he’s shown remarkable efficiency, shooting 45.5% from the field and 47.4% from three-point range. Maxey’s breakout performance is one of the early season’s biggest surprises, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the Sixers’ roster.

Western Conference Surprises: The Jazz Are Unexpected Contenders

No one expected the Utah Jazz to be a competitive force so soon after their rebuilding phase. Last season, the Jazz were one of the league’s worst teams, but this year they’ve turned things around remarkably. Early wins, including a blowout of the LA Clippers, have shown that they are capable of competing at a high level.

Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler have been particularly impressive, and head coach Will Hardy’s system is allowing Utah to produce strong offensive outputs. The Jazz are sitting near the top of the Western Conference and will likely remain in the playoff picture if they can continue playing at this level.

Players Who Are Overperforming: LaMelo Ball and Kyshawn George

One of the biggest surprises in the Eastern Conference has been the play of LaMelo Ball. While the Hornets’ overall performance hasn’t been perfect, Ball’s decision-making has improved significantly this season. Known for his flashy plays and athleticism, Ball has started to show more maturity in his game. However, his health will be key to his continued growth.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Kyshawn George has been another standout. Expected to be more of a shooter after his college career, George has found a rhythm early, averaging 20+ points per game and adding strong defensive numbers, including five steals and six blocks. His all-around play has helped the Wizards remain competitive, even as other players like Bilal Coulibaly return to the lineup.

Early Season Flashbacks and What to Expect

While it’s still early, the 2025-26 NBA season is already providing us with plenty of storylines. The Philadelphia 76ers’ hot start has been a major surprise, as has the San Antonio Spurs’ fast rise. On the flip side, the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls have left fans wondering what adjustments are needed to maintain their trajectories.

The season may still be young, but if these surprises continue, the NBA landscape could look vastly different by the time the playoffs roll around. Teams like the 76ers, Spurs, and Jazz are already exceeding expectations, and it will be interesting to see if they can sustain this level of play.