The 2025-26 NBA season kicked off on March 15, 2025, with notable performances that set the tone for the year ahead. Among the standout moments, Australian guard Josh Giddey delivered an impressive display for the Chicago Bulls, while rookie V.J. Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers made history during his debut.
Giddey Leads Bulls to Upset Victory
After signing a four-year, $100 million contract extension, Giddey showcased his potential in the Bulls’ season opener against the Detroit Pistons. He recorded 19 points and 11 assists, helping Chicago secure a 115-111 victory. Despite committing six turnovers, Giddey’s offensive leadership was evident, especially in the absence of backcourt partner Coby White, who is sidelined with a calf injury.
Giddey’s synergy with starting center Nikola Vucevic was particularly noteworthy, as Vucevic led the team with 28 points and added 14 rebounds. Giddey’s aggressive play style continued from last season, where he averaged significant contributions in multiple facets of the game. He capitalized on his height, drawing numerous fouls and converting eight of his eleven free throw attempts.
Commenting on Giddey’s impact, Bulls legend and commentator Stacey King emphasized the importance of his return to the team, stating, “You’re not going to find a guard that does what he does.” This performance positions the Bulls as a potential playoff contender, particularly with the emergence of rookie Matas Buzelis, who contributed 21 points.
Edgecombe’s Historic Debut for the 76ers
While Giddey’s performance was remarkable, V.J. Edgecombe stole the spotlight with a record-setting debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in their narrow 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics. The third overall pick in the recent draft, Edgecombe scored 14 points in the first quarter, breaking a record previously held by LeBron James for most points in a career-opening quarter, which stood at 12 for 22 years.
Edgecombe finished the game with 34 points, surpassing Allen Iverson’s franchise record for points scored in an NBA debut. His performance places him third all-time for debut scoring, only behind legends Frank Selvy and Wilt Chamberlain. The game also featured a strong performance from Tyrese Maxey, who added 40 points, including seven three-pointers.
Despite the win, the night was marred for the 76ers as superstar Joel Embiid struggled significantly, scoring just four points. Embiid’s limited contributions came as he continues to manage his health after a restricted minutes policy from last season, where he played only 19 games.
Knicks Begin New Era with Victory
The New York Knicks commenced their new era under coach Mike Brown with a 119-111 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The win featured a collective effort with five players reaching double figures, led by OG Anunoby with 24 points and Jalen Brunson contributing 23 points.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell made a push in the third quarter, scoring 21 points, but the Knicks regained control with a strong final quarter. Both teams faced challenges with key players absent due to injuries, impacting their rotations and overall performance.
Hawks Face Reality Check Against Raptors
The Atlanta Hawks, considered dark horse contenders in the Eastern Conference, faced a setback in their opener, falling to the Toronto Raptors 138-118. Despite offseason acquisitions, the Hawks struggled to find their rhythm, with Dyson Daniels having a disappointing night, scoring just four points and dealing with foul troubles.
The Raptors showcased a balanced attack, with all five starters scoring in double figures, and RJ Barrett leading with 25 points. This performance highlights the depth of Toronto’s roster, even while missing key rotation players.
As the NBA season unfolds, the early performances by Giddey, Edgecombe, and other rookies signal an exciting year ahead for fans and players alike. The league’s landscape continues to evolve, and the potential for new stars to emerge remains strong.
