The 2025 NBA Preseason is already delivering fireworks.
From Nikola Jokić’s flawless night to Cooper Flagg’s impressive debut, fans got a full dose of hoops magic on Monday. Let’s run through every major storyline from an action-packed night around the league.
🇨🇦 Nuggets Take Over Canada — Jokic Perfection
Nikola Jokić reminded everyone why he’s the best big man on the planet. The reigning MVP didn’t miss a single shot as the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Toronto Raptors 112-108 in the NBA Canada Series.
- Christian Braun: 19 PTS, 8/8 FGM, 2 STL
- Jamal Murray: 17 PTS, 3 3PM
- Nikola Jokić: Perfect shooting night (of course)
Even in preseason, Denver’s chemistry looks elite — and the bench mob, led by Braun, looks ready to take another step forward.
🚀 Sengun Does It All as Rockets Get Their First Win
Alperen Şengün continues to prove he’s Houston’s new franchise cornerstone. The big man stuffed the stat sheet in a 122–113 win over the Hawks:
- 19 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB, 2 BLK
JD Davison caught fire from deep with 17 points and 5 threes, while Amen Thompson added his usual defense and energy. The Rockets finally grabbed their first W of the 2025 preseason — and looked good doing it.
🦄 WEMBY. IS. BACK.
After months away, Victor Wembanyama made his return — and he looked like he never left.
In just 19 minutes, Wemby posted:
- 9 PTS (3/3 FGM, 100%)
- 10 REB, 7 AST, 3 BLK
The Spurs dominated the Guangzhou Loong-Lions 119–88, with Keldon Johnson (16 PTS), Julian Champagnie (16 PTS, 4 3PM), and Luke Kornet (16 PTS, 6/6 FGM) all shining. Wemby’s chemistry with his teammates was scary smooth for a preseason opener.
💫 Cade Cunningham Cooks in Limited Minutes
Cade Cunningham reminded fans why Detroit believes in him as their future star. In just under 19 minutes, he put up:
- 20 PTS | 8-11 FGM | 4 AST | 2 STL
The Pistons rolled past the Grizzlies 128–112 behind a balanced attack from Tobias Harris (13 PTS, 2 STL) and Isaiah Stewart (12 PTS, 4 REB). Detroit’s young core looks ready to surprise people this season.
🔵 Flagg Shines in First NBA Preseason Game
The hype was real — and Cooper Flagg delivered.
In his preseason debut for the Dallas Mavericks, the 17-year-old phenom guided the team to a 106–88 win over the defending champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Flagg’s energy and poise stood out, while:
- P.J. Washington: 14 PTS
- Jaden Hardy: 12 PTS, 3 3PM
led the scoring charge. The Mavericks look dangerous with their mix of veterans and youth — and Flagg’s debut was just the beginning.
🦌 Bucks Start Strong Behind Pete Nance
Pete Nance was the unexpected hero for Milwaukee, dropping a team-high performance in the Bucks’ 103–93 win over the Miami Heat.
- Kel’el Ware: 18 PTS, 13 REB
- Gary Trent Jr.: 11 PTS
- Kevin Porter Jr.: 10 PTS, 4 AST
Milwaukee looked locked in from the start, dominating the glass and getting contributions across the board. This team’s revamped frontcourt is already paying off.
🔥 Monday Recap
From Jokic’s perfection to Wemby’s return to Cooper Flagg’s first NBA moments — the preseason is already setting the tone for what’s to come.
The 2025 season hasn’t even started yet… but the hype? It’s already through the roof.