The NBA season for 2025-26 started on Tuesday night with two high-profile games. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder began their season by winning against Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets in overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and sealed the victory with two free throws in the last seconds. In another game, Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors to a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were missing LeBron James due to sciatica. Both games were broadcasted by NBC, featuring the nostalgic Roundball Rock theme music from the ’90s.
The Toronto Raptors are set to kick off their season in Atlanta, aiming for a playoff spot after missing out for two consecutive years. Canadian players continue to make a significant impact in the NBA, with 23 Canadians currently playing in the league, the highest number from any foreign country.
Key Canadians to watch this season include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin from the Indiana Pacers, Jamal Murray from the Denver Nuggets, Shaedon Sharpe from the Portland Trail Blazers, Zach Edey from the Memphis Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks from the Phoenix Suns, Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat, and RJ Barrett from the Toronto Raptors. Each player brings a unique skill set and potential for standout performances in the upcoming NBA season.