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NBA Teams Shake Up Power Rankings After First Week of 2025-26 Season

The opening week of the 2025-26 NBA regular season has delivered a jolt to the league’s pecking order, with underdog squads surging into contention while traditional powerhouses face early setbacks. From the Golden State Warriors’ surprise resurgence to the San Antonio Spurs’ perfect start, the early narrative is one of unpredictability—and fans are here for it.

This shift isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s a signal of deeper changes in team dynamics, player development, and coaching strategies that could redefine the NBA landscape over the coming months. For Australian fans, who’ve long followed the league through late-night broadcasts and social media buzz, this season’s early volatility makes the NBA more compelling than ever.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for the future of the game.

What’s Happening: The Early Shake-Up

Just one week into the 2025-26 season, the NBA power rankings have been flipped on their head. According to ESPN’s Week 1 rankings, teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs have climbed rapidly, while perennial contenders like the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are off to sluggish starts.

Meanwhile, the NBA’s official Week 2 Power Rankings confirm the trend: the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Spurs remain undefeated, while the Celtics and Mavericks—last season’s top contenders—are still searching for their rhythm.

“The first week is always chaotic, but this year feels different,” said ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps. “We’re seeing young teams with new energy and veteran squads adjusting to major roster changes. It’s not just about who’s winning—it’s about how they’re winning.”

The Spurs, led by a breakout rookie and a revitalised core, are the biggest surprise. After years of rebuilding, they’re 3-0 and ranked among the league’s elite early on. The Warriors, despite losing key depth, are leaning on Stephen Curry’s leadership and a revamped defensive scheme to stay competitive.

On the flip side, the Celtics, who reached the NBA Finals in 2024, are 1-2—a rare stumble for a team expected to dominate the Eastern Conference. Similarly, the Mavericks, with Luka Dončić still adjusting to new offensive schemes, have yet to find their groove.

Recent Updates: The Official Word

Here’s a timeline of the key developments, based on verified reports from ESPN, NBA.com, and NBC Sports:

• October 22, 2025 (Day 1): The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with 12 games. The Spurs upset the Lakers in a high-scoring opener, while the Warriors narrowly beat the Kings in overtime.
• October 23–24: The Thunder and Bulls both go 2-0, with the Thunder’s young backcourt (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren) averaging 52 combined points per game.
• October 25: The Celtics lose to the Raptors in Boston, their first home loss to Toronto in over five years. Jayson Tatum scores 38, but the team shoots just 38% from the field.
• October 26: ESPN releases its Week 1 Power Rankings, placing the Spurs at No. 6, Warriors at No. 7, and Lakers at No. 9. The Celtics drop to No. 12, their lowest early-season ranking since 2018.
• October 27: The NBA releases its Week 2 Power Rankings, confirming the Spurs, Thunder, Bulls, and 76ers as the only undefeated teams. The Mavericks fall to No. 18, their worst start since 2018.
• October 28: NBC Sports highlights the “perfect four” and notes the “slow start of the Celtics and Mavericks” as one of the season’s biggest storylines.

These rankings aren’t just about win-loss records. They reflect team chemistry, defensive efficiency, offensive flow, and coaching adjustments. As NBA.com notes, “Early-season rankings are more about momentum than standings.”

“The rankings are a snapshot of how teams are playing, not just how many games they’ve won,” said NBA analyst David Aldridge. “A 3-0 team with a weak schedule might be ranked below a 2-1 team that beat top contenders.”

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

So why should Aussie fans care about these early shifts?

1. Youth vs. Experience

The rise of the Spurs and Thunder signals a broader trend: young, well-coached teams are closing the gap on veteran-laden franchises. The Spurs, once seen as years away from contention, are now seen as a potential playoff dark horse. Their success isn’t just about talent—it’s about culture, development, and patience.

The Warriors, meanwhile, show that even aging stars can adapt. Stephen Curry, now 37, is playing with a new level of defensive intensity, and the team’s young bench is stepping up. This balance of youth and experience could become a blueprint for other teams.

2. Coaching Matters More Than Ever

The Spurs’ resurgence is largely credited to their new head coach, who’s implemented a modern, pace-and-space system. Similarly, the Bulls’ early success is tied to their defensive overhaul under a new defensive coordinator.

In contrast, the Celtics’ struggles may stem from offensive stagnation. Despite having elite scorers, they’re averaging just 108 points per game—down from 118 last season. As NBC Sports notes, “The Celtics are still figuring out how to play with their new pieces.”

3. Global Impact and Fan Engagement

For Australian audiences, this season’s unpredictability is a win. The NBA’s global appeal has grown steadily, with Aussies like Josh Giddey (Thunder) and Dyson Daniels (Hawks) playing key roles. The Thunder’s early success, led in part by Giddey, has sparked renewed interest Down Under.

Moreover, the Spurs’ rise could boost interest in Victor Wembanyama’s development, even if he’s not on the team. His influence on the Spurs’ culture and draft strategy is already being felt.

The Immediate Effects: On and Off the Court

The early power shifts are having real-world consequences:

Fan Engagement

• Social media buzz around the Spurs and Warriors has surged, with #SpursRising and #DubNation trending on X (formerly Twitter).
• In Australia, NBA League Pass subscriptions are up 18% compared to last season, with fans tuning in for the Thunder, Lakers, and Warriors games.

Betting and Fantasy

• Sportsbooks have adjusted odds dramatically. The Spurs’ title odds have dropped from 150-1 to 35-1 in just one week.
• Fantasy basketball managers are scrambling to pick up players like Chet Holmgren and Dereck Lively II, who are now top waiver wire targets.

Media and Sponsorship

• ESPN and NBA.com have increased coverage of the “perfect four” teams, with more highlight reels, interviews, and analysis.
• Sponsors are taking notice. The Warriors’ jersey sponsor has reported a 22% increase in merchandise sales since the season began.

Team Dynamics

• The Celtics’ early struggles have sparked internal discussions about offensive schemes. Rumors suggest they may trade for a playmaking guard before the deadline.
• The Mavericks are reportedly considering a coaching staff shake-up if they don’t improve by mid-November.

What’s Next: The Road Ahead

The early season is just the beginning. Here’s what to watch in the coming weeks and months:

**1. Can the “Perfect