NBA Opening Night 2025: Top 5 Moments Fans Can’t Stop Talking About
- Sreeja Nallamala
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
By: Sreeja Nallamala
The new NBA season tipped off with everything you could ask for. There were huge performances, emotional storylines, and a double-overtime thriller that had everyone glued to their screens. From MVP moments to surprising stars, here are the top five highlights from opening night.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander steals the show on ring night
Oklahoma City celebrated its championship with a banner, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure the night was about more than memories. He started slow, scoring only five points in the first half, but completely took over in the second. Shai finished with 35 points and hit clutch free throws to close out a double-overtime win against the Houston Rockets. It was another calm, confident performance that reminded everyone why he’s the reigning MVP.
2. Luka Doncic shines in his Lakers debut
Luka Doncic’s first full season with the Lakers started with a bang. He scored 43 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and added 8 assists, doing just about everything for Los Angeles. Even without LeBron James on the floor, Luka carried the offense and showed flashes of what this new Lakers team could be. The chemistry still needs some work, but seeing Doncic in purple and gold already feels right.
3. Jimmy Butler III gives Golden State new energy
After missing time in the preseason with ankle injuries, Jimmy Butler III came out looking locked in. He scored 31 points, made all 16 of his free throws, and completely set the tone for the Warriors’ 119–109 win over the Lakers. Butler brought veteran calm when the game got tight, helping Golden State look like a serious contender again. It was the kind of performance that shows why his presence means so much.
4. Alperen Sengun proves he’s the real deal
Even though the Rockets lost, Alperen Sengun might have had the most impressive individual performance of the night. He scored 39 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and hit five three-pointers, showing off how much he’s expanded his game. Houston’s new lineup is still figuring things out, but Sengun looked confident and in control. If this is what he brings all season, the Rockets are going to be fun to watch.
5. Jonathan Kuminga’s breakout game
Jonathan Kuminga has been on the verge of a breakout for a while, and this game felt like a step in that direction. He did a little of everything for the Warriors, with 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and key defensive stops. His energy gave Golden State a real spark off the bench. If he keeps playing like this, he could become one of the most important players on the roster.
Final Thoughts
Opening night reminded everyone why basketball is so special. You had superstars proving themselves, rising players stepping up, and teams showing flashes of what could be an exciting season ahead. If the rest of the year is anything like this, fans are in for a treat.
Edited by: Megan Livengood