The opening weeks of the 2026–27 NBA season have already provided some surprises, impressive individual performances and early indications of which teams are beginning to establish themselves.

Golden State is finding ways to win behind Stephen Curry and an emerging young contributor. San Antonio is becoming a difficult matchup with Victor Wembanyama dominating both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić continues to put up remarkable offensive numbers for the Los Angeles Lakers.

But this week’s rankings are not simply about which players score the most points or which teams have the best overall records. Winning matters, but so does the quality of the opponent, defensive execution, consistency and the ability to perform when the game is on the line.

The Hoop Post takes a closer look at the ten teams and ten players who made the strongest impression from October 28 through November 3.

NBA Top 10 Teams of the Week

1. Golden State Warriors (4–0)

Key victories: Minnesota 119–114, Lakers 112–95, Clippers 124–112, Phoenix 116–113.

The Warriors earn the top position after putting together four consecutive victories during the ranking period.

Stephen Curry remains the driving force behind Golden State’s offense, but the encouraging development is that the Warriors are receiving meaningful contributions beyond their established star.

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s emergence gives Golden State another offensive option, and his 37-point performance against the Clippers showed he is capable of taking on a much larger role.

The Warriors also defeated the Lakers and found a way to survive a close game against Phoenix. Golden State is not simply relying on shooting to win games. Its ability to execute late and get production from different players makes this team worth watching.

2. Philadelphia 76ers (4–0)

Key victories: Indiana 114–109, New York 98–93, Charlotte 109–104, Chicago 126–107.

Philadelphia has quietly assembled one of the strongest weeks in the Eastern Conference.

The 76ers won four games, including a physical defensive battle against New York and a convincing victory over Chicago.

Tyrese Maxey continues to give Philadelphia a dependable offensive presence, but the team’s ability to win lower-scoring games deserves just as much attention.

The 98–93 victory over the Knicks demonstrated that Philadelphia can win without turning every game into an offensive shootout. That balance could become important as the season progresses.

3. San Antonio Spurs (3–0)

Key victories: Utah 117–111, Minnesota 121–111, Utah 119–97.

San Antonio’s improvement begins with Victor Wembanyama, but the Spurs are beginning to show signs of becoming more than a one-man team.

Wembanyama’s 43-point, six-block performance against Minnesota was one of the week’s most impressive individual efforts.

His ability to change shots around the basket allows San Antonio to defend aggressively while still protecting the paint.

The Spurs are developing confidence, and their defensive presence gives them a chance to compete against more experienced opponents.

4. Detroit Pistons (3–0)

Key victories: Charlotte 97–89, Brooklyn 110–94, Charlotte 124–91.

Detroit deserves more attention than it has received.

The Pistons went undefeated during the week and held all three opponents below 100 points.

Cade Cunningham continues to provide leadership and offensive production, but Detroit’s defense is the biggest reason for its position.

The Pistons defeated Charlotte by 33 points on November 2, showing they can combine defensive pressure with efficient offensive execution.

The next challenge will be maintaining that consistency against stronger competition.

5. Houston Rockets (3–1)

Key victories: Milwaukee 132–100, Oklahoma City 119–98, Boston 109–93.

Houston may have the strongest collection of quality victories among the teams in this week’s rankings.

The Rockets defeated Milwaukee by 32 points, Oklahoma City by 21 and Boston by 16. Their only loss came against Dallas.

What stands out is Houston’s ability to control games against established opponents.

Alperen Şengün provides scoring and playmaking from the center position, while Houston’s defensive activity has made it difficult for opponents to establish a comfortable offensive rhythm.

If the Rockets continue to defend at this level, they have the potential to become one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous teams.

6. Los Angeles Lakers (3–1)

Key victories: Clippers 103–87, Toronto 131–125, Miami 138–117.

The Lakers continue to be led by Luka Dončić, whose offensive production has been extraordinary.

Dončić scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and handed out six assists against Toronto, demonstrating how much pressure he can put on a defense.

Los Angeles also delivered a convincing 21-point victory over Miami.

However, the Lakers’ 112–95 loss to Golden State raises an important question: can they consistently generate enough offense when Dončić faces aggressive defensive coverage?

The Lakers have the scoring talent to challenge opponents, but greater consistency against elite competition will determine their ceiling.

7. Boston Celtics (2–1)

Key victories: Chicago 125–111, Orlando 108–97.

Boston’s week featured strong performances from Jayson Tatum and a defense that helped secure a road victory over Orlando.

Tatum continues to show growth as a playmaker, creating opportunities for teammates while remaining the Celtics’ primary offensive option.

However, Houston exposed some offensive weaknesses in a 109–93 loss.

Boston remains a dangerous team, but the Celtics must avoid becoming overly dependent on difficult perimeter shots when opponents disrupt their offensive flow.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (2–1)

Key victories: Portland 124–103, Sacramento 136–105.

Memphis has been one of the more interesting early-season teams.

The Grizzlies defeated Portland by 21 points and Sacramento by 31 before suffering a narrow 135–134 loss to New Orleans.

Rookie Cameron Boozer is already demonstrating an advanced understanding of the game through his rebounding, passing and ability to contribute without dominating every possession.

Memphis has offensive potential, but surrendering 135 points to New Orleans illustrates why defensive consistency remains a concern.

9. Miami Heat (2–1)

Key victories: Atlanta 129–117, Indiana 145–125.

Miami’s offense has looked explosive with Giannis Antetokounmpo providing interior scoring, rebounding and transition opportunities.

The Heat scored 145 points against Indiana, one of the highest offensive totals of the week.

Giannis recorded a triple-double in that victory, giving Miami another dimension through his ability to create offense for teammates.

The 138–117 loss to the Lakers showed that Miami still needs to improve its defensive resistance against high-powered opponents.

10. New Orleans Pelicans (3–1)

Key victories: Sacramento 132–120, Atlanta 121–99, Memphis 135–134.

New Orleans earns the final position after winning three games, including a dramatic one-point victory over Memphis.

The Pelicans have demonstrated that they can score in different ways, particularly when they attack the basket and create opportunities in transition.

Their offensive production is encouraging, but the 135–134 victory over Memphis also highlights an obvious weakness.

New Orleans cannot expect to consistently win games while allowing opponents to score at that rate.

Honorable Mention — Teams

• Portland Trail Blazers: Impressive road victories over Utah and Denver, including a 118–110 win against the Nuggets.
• Cleveland Cavaliers: Scored 136 points against Milwaukee but suffered losses to Atlanta and Oklahoma City.
• Toronto Raptors: Defeated Orlando by 30 points and won on the road against the Clippers.
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Rebounded from losses to Dallas and Houston with a 117–112 victory over Cleveland.

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NBA Top 10 Players of the Week

1. Victor Wembanyama — San Antonio Spurs

Signature performances: 36 points, 14 rebounds and five assists against Utah; 43 points, seven rebounds and six blocks against Minnesota.

Wembanyama earns the top position because his impact extends far beyond scoring.

Against Minnesota, he controlled the game offensively while making life difficult for opponents around the basket.

His combination of size, mobility, shooting touch and defensive instincts makes him one of the most difficult players in basketball to prepare for.

What separates Wembanyama is his ability to influence a game even when he is not taking shots. Opponents must constantly account for his presence, particularly when attacking the paint.

San Antonio’s undefeated week strengthens his case for the top spot.

2. Stephen Curry — Golden State Warriors

Signature performance: 44 points, eight rebounds and six assists against Minnesota.

Curry’s 44-point performance against Minnesota reminded the league why he remains one of basketball’s most dangerous offensive players.

He connected on six three-pointers and made all 16 of his free-throw attempts.

However, Curry’s impact cannot be measured entirely through his scoring.

His movement without the ball creates defensive confusion and opens opportunities for teammates.

Golden State’s 4–0 week gives Curry a strong argument for the top position, but Wembanyama receives the slight edge because of his dominance on both ends of the floor.

3. Luka Dončić — Los Angeles Lakers

Signature performance: 45 points, 15 rebounds and six assists against Toronto.

Dončić continues to put together remarkable offensive performances.

His 45-point outing against Toronto demonstrated his ability to control the tempo, create shots and punish defensive mismatches.

He is not dependent on exceptional speed or athleticism. Instead, Dončić uses changes of pace, body control and court awareness to keep defenders off balance.

The Lakers need his production, but their challenge is finding ways to remain effective when opponents force the ball out of his hands.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo — Miami Heat

Signature performance: 31 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists against Indiana.

Giannis delivered one of the week’s most complete performances in Miami’s 145–125 victory over Indiana.

His triple-double illustrated how he can dominate without relying entirely on scoring.

Giannis is particularly effective when he attacks the basket, draws multiple defenders and finds open teammates.

His rebounding also allows Miami to generate transition opportunities before opposing defenses can get organized.

The Heat are becoming increasingly dangerous offensively when Giannis controls the pace.

5. Jayson Tatum — Boston Celtics

Signature performance: 32 points, four rebounds and seven assists against Orlando.

Tatum continues to develop into a more complete offensive player.

His scoring remains important, but his passing and willingness to involve teammates have become equally valuable.

Against Orlando, Tatum delivered 32 points and seven assists while helping Boston secure a road victory.

The loss to Houston keeps him outside the top four, but Tatum remains one of the Eastern Conference’s most dependable offensive leaders.

6. Cade Cunningham — Detroit Pistons

Signature performance: 33 points, five rebounds and seven assists against Charlotte.

Cunningham is beginning to establish the type of leadership Detroit has needed.

His 33-point performance against Charlotte came during a convincing 124–91 victory.

Cunningham’s size at the guard position allows him to see over defenders, create scoring opportunities and control possessions.

What makes his week especially impressive is that Detroit won all three games while holding its opponents below 100 points.

His ability to direct the offense while contributing to winning basketball deserves recognition.

7. Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia 76ers

Season scoring average through November 2: 29.1 points per game.

Maxey continues to develop into one of the NBA’s most productive offensive guards.

His quickness allows him to penetrate defenses, while his perimeter shooting makes it difficult for opponents to defend him with a single coverage.

Philadelphia’s four-game winning week gives Maxey additional recognition.

The 76ers are showing they can win both offensive games and defensive battles, and Maxey’s scoring threat plays an important role in creating that balance.

8. Yaxel Lendeborg — Golden State Warriors

Signature performance: 37 points and six assists against the Clippers.

One of the biggest early-season surprises has been Lendeborg’s emergence.

The rookie scored 37 points on 13-of-19 shooting against the Clippers, showing impressive offensive efficiency.

Lendeborg has demonstrated confidence attacking the basket and making decisions without forcing the action.

His emergence gives Golden State another scoring option alongside Curry.

For a Warriors team looking to balance veteran leadership with young talent, Lendeborg’s development could become one of the most important stories of the season.

9. Cameron Boozer — Memphis Grizzlies

Signature performance: 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists against Portland.

Boozer’s first career triple-double showed why he is one of the most intriguing rookies in the league.

What stands out is not simply his ability to score, but his understanding of spacing, passing angles and how to make teammates better.

His 12 assists against Portland demonstrated an unusual level of playmaking for a young frontcourt player.

Boozer does not need to dominate the ball to influence the game. His rebounding, passing and basketball instincts give Memphis another dimension.

10. Alperen Şengün — Houston Rockets

Season averages through November 2: 23.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists.

Şengün earns the final position because of his importance to Houston’s offense and the Rockets’ impressive victories over Milwaukee, Oklahoma City and Boston.

His ability to operate from the post and create scoring opportunities for teammates makes him a difficult matchup.

Şengün is particularly effective when defenders are forced to choose between allowing him to attack the basket or leaving a teammate open.

Houston’s success is becoming closely connected to its ability to play through him.

Honorable Mention — Players

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City: Remains one of the league’s most reliable scorers and helped the Thunder defeat Cleveland.
• Scottie Barnes, Toronto: Recorded 28 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 30-point victory over Orlando.
• Jalen Duren, Detroit: His interior presence and rebounding contributed to Detroit’s undefeated week.
• Cooper Flagg, Dallas: Continues to show offensive versatility and an increasingly important role for the Mavericks.
• Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento: The rookie guard has made an early impression with his scoring ability and offensive confidence.

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The Hoop Post’s Biggest Takeaways

Golden State is showing more than veteran experience

The Warriors’ undefeated week is impressive, but Lendeborg’s emergence could have a greater long-term impact.

Golden State has needed another dependable offensive contributor, particularly when defenses focus on Curry. If Lendeborg continues to produce, the Warriors will become more difficult to defend.

Wembanyama is changing San Antonio’s expectations

The Spurs are beginning to look like a team capable of challenging more experienced opponents.

Wembanyama’s offensive growth is impressive, but his defensive impact is what gives San Antonio a different identity.

Few players can dominate the scoring column while also changing the way opponents attack the basket.

Detroit deserves to be taken seriously

The Pistons may not have the same national attention as Boston, New York or Philadelphia, but their defensive performances cannot be ignored.

Holding three consecutive opponents below 100 points is an encouraging sign.

The next step is proving they can maintain that defensive intensity against the league’s top offensive teams.

Houston has the ingredients to challenge the West

Houston’s victories over Milwaukee, Oklahoma City and Boston make a strong statement.

The Rockets have shown the ability to score, defend and control the tempo against quality opponents.

Their challenge will be maintaining that level of execution throughout a long season.

Final Word

The early weeks of the NBA season are not enough to determine which teams will be playing deep into the postseason, but they can reveal which organizations are building the right habits.

Golden State has established momentum, Philadelphia is finding ways to win, and San Antonio is becoming increasingly dangerous behind Wembanyama.

Meanwhile, Curry, Dončić and Giannis continue to remind the league that elite offensive talent can change the direction of a game in a matter of minutes.

The Hoop Post will continue evaluating the league each week based on performance rather than reputation.

The rankings will change, but the standard remains the same: production, consistency, defense and winning basketball.

The Hoop Post NBA Top 10 returns next week with updated team and player rankings.