October 16 marked the start to the NBA season, one full of suspense, drama, and emotion. 

The first game showcased the Los Angeles Lakers facing the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors received their championship rings for the 2021-2022 season after defeating the Boston Celtics in 6 games. This game was also the start of Lebron James’ 20th season in the NBA. The contest ended with the Warriors winning 123 to 109 over the Lakers. 

The second game of the night was a battle between two East coast powerhouses; Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics looked to keep their momentum after a finals appearance. The 76ers, however, looked to prove that they’re the ‘real deal’ coming off a deep playoff run last season. The Celtics came out on top, starting their season off right winning 126 to 117. Those matchups would then open the 2022-2023 season. 

The following day, Wednesday Oct. 19, the rest of the league held their season-opening matchups. The ones that stood out the most, however, would be the Mavericks and Suns, as well as the Bulls and Heat. The Mavericks and Suns was an absolute movie being another installment of possibly a growing rivalry as last season the two teams battled it out in the playoffs. The difference this time was that the Suns came out on top by 2, then the Bulls faced another playoff team in the Heat. The Bulls looked to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke while the Heat looked to maintain momentum as they had been stopped by the Celtics in their journey to the finals. It was a good game with the Bulls capturing the win; 116 to 108. 

Though it’s still early, Bulls fan and Skokie resident Michael (Mike Jordan) Quinlan had this to say: “I like the Clippers and Celtics final or a Bucks Clippers final. I think that the Clippers get Kawhai and Paul George back for a full season and with the addition of John Wall, Ivica Zubac is also a dog and they have enough depth to go all the way.”

When asked about the Bulls, Quinlan felt more optimistic. “The Bulls look good, they’re not off to the hot start they were last year and they haven’t shot from three that well, but Demar and LaVine can get a bucket when they need one,” Quinlan said. 

On the other hand, senior Alexander Reyes Jr. had other ideas as far as his finals picks.

“Give me the Heat and the Jazz in the finals; even though the Heat don’t have a number one guy, their top scorers are pretty consistent, and the Jazz are an all around great team,” Reyes said. However when asked about his Lakers he had high hopes, “The Lakers are making the playoffs and surprising everyone.” 

And just when you thought things couldn’t be more exciting there seems to be another twist this season, a race to the bottom. That’s right, teams this year look to lose games on purpose as a new prospect sends shockwaves around the basketball world; his name is Victor Wembanyama. The 7 ‘2″ center is only 18 years old and has seemingly drawn everyone’s attention as the big man has shown a deep bag, shooting and dribbling the ball better than everyone else his size. 

It’s safe to say that this NBA season will be interesting as there seems to be something happening every day.