The NBA season is nearing its one-month mark, prompting analysis on early surprises and disappointments. The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as a pleasant surprise, thanks to head coach Kenny Atkinson's effective reconfiguration of their offense. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets have also exceeded expectations, showcasing strong performances despite prior doubts.
On the flip side, the Philadelphia 76ers are highlighted as the biggest disappointment, struggling with chemistry and a poor record. The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are also underperforming, with injuries impacting their gameplay.
Intriguingly, the Houston Rockets have shown competence under Ime Udoka, and discussions around Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential availability have sparked interest among teams. The article concludes with a ranking of the top title contenders, led by the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder.