The key facts
- Sengun: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists in Houston's 128:110 win over Dallas
- Kessler in his Lakers debut: 26 points, 12 of 12 from the field, 127:105 win over Golden State
- Edwards: 45 points and 10 rebounds as Minnesota beat Miami 131:106
Rockets open with a win thanks to Sengun
Turkish legionnaire Alperen Sengun opened the NBA season with a double-double: in the Houston Rockets' 128:110 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the Toyota Center, he scored 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 5 assists in 30 minutes. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. added 30 points each for the Rockets, while Amen Thompson recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds. For Dallas, rookie Cooper Flagg was the best player of the game with 32 points, Marcus Sasser added 17, and Kyrie Irving scored 15 points in his first official game since March 2025.
Kessler's perfect debut with the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers began the season with a confident home win over the Golden State Warriors — 127:105. Center Walker Kessler, in his debut for the team, scored 26 points and 9 rebounds, making all 12 of his field goal attempts. Luka Doncic recorded 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, and Austin Reaves added 23 points. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry was the best with 23 points.
Edwards' 45 points in the Timberwolves' win
The Minnesota Timberwolves crushed the Miami Heat on the road, 131:106. Anthony Edwards scored 45 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, making nine three-pointers. According to Anadolu, he became only the third player in NBA history, after Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, to score at least 40 points in multiple season-opening games. In his debut for the Timberwolves, LaMelo Ball added 21 points, and Rudy Gobert collected 15 rebounds. For Miami, according to the outlet, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points in his first official game for the team, but that could not save his side from defeat; Bam Adebayo added 15 points.
