It is hard to draw a lot of serious conclusions after just the first week of a new NBA season.
However, there are three teams that already look like legitimate contenders for the world championship, as they haven’t had to take time easing into the season or figuring out major issues when it comes to things such as chemistry or rotations.
These three teams are the most obvious title contenders at this point, and it is impossible to say that any of these teams have been a surprise in that regard.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
For some reason, the Milwaukee Bucks are falling somewhat under the radar, but at the same time, everyone has expected them to be in the mix.
They’re the only undefeated team remaining in the NBA, as they got themselves a statement win on Wednesday versus the Brooklyn Nets, 110-99.
Milwaukee is tops in points per game allowed, and indeed, defense was one of the keys for it when it won it all in the summer of 2021.
2. Boston Celtics
It was a rough summer for the Boston Celtics, as they lost the NBA championship to the Golden State Warriors by blowing a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals, lost free agent signing Danilo Gallinari for the season due to a knee injury, and suspended head coach Ime Udoka.
Yet, they’re 3-1 right now, and Jayson Tatum, who played very poorly in the championship series, is playing outstanding ball so far.
Jayson Tatum wins week 1 Player Of The Week 🥇 pic.twitter.com/nu9v4rn2Dj
— AllTHINGSBOSTON (@CELTICSVSREFS) October 24, 2022
Of course, for Boston, what it does in the regular season won’t matter that much, as it is an organization that measures success by championship banners.
3. Phoenix Suns
Some may have doubted the Phoneix Suns were still championship-caliber material after last spring’s collapse versus the Dallas Mavericks, but they responded with a big 134-105 win on Wednesday against the defending NBA champion Warriors.
The Suns, like the Celtics, will only consider this season a success if they end it with a world title, but unlike the Celtics, they have never won a world title before.
NEXT: 3 NBA Players Off To Disappointing Starts This Season