Basketball Intelligence for 10/25/23

Opening night takeaways, a Michael Jordan-as-owner oral history, Zach Lowe's tiers, and more

OPENING NIGHT

Mike Says: It was pretty weird seeing the Warriors bench not just survive, but thrive!

Nikola Jokić Has Solved the Lakers, and Other Opening Night Takeaways
Rohan Nadkarni, Sports Illustrated

Five takeaways from the Lakers’ season-opening loss to the Nuggets
Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times

Lakers’ late rally falls short in season-opening loss to the Nuggets
Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times

Warriors tout 'comfortability' with Chris Paul to open season
Kendra Andrews, ESPN

The hope is that having Paul on the floor with the second group will help cut down turnovers, which did happen opening night, as Golden State committed just 11 miscues compared to the 18.2 it averaged in the preseason. His presence will also help organize those lineups that consist of younger players.

The 5 most encouraging plays from Suns' season opener vs. Warriors, including a Point Book close
Gerald Bourguet, PHNX

Denver Nuggets Unstoppable ATO
Gibson Pyper, Half Court Hoops

The Nuggets put the Lakers away with 10 points off the same play 4 times in a row.

Warriors drop opener against Suns amid questions about coverages, personnel, and size
Joe Viray, Golden State of Mind

Darvin Ham says LeBron James' 29 minutes in line with Lakers' plan
Dave McMenamin, ESPN

Denver Nuggets receive rings, see title banner unveiled
AP

TEAM STORIES

ATL: Five keys for the Hawks’ 2023-24 season
Lauren Williams, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

**Become a paid subscriber to see dozens more stories, including a couple of really fun blurbs about Jordan scrimmaging against Stephen Jackson and Chauncey Billups tricking Scoot Henderson. Thank you!**