NBA Review: Top 10 Must-Watch Games and Key Takeaways This Season

As I sit down to reflect on this NBA season, I can't help but marvel at the sheer number of unforgettable moments we've witnessed. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, both as an analyst and an avid fan, I've developed a keen eye for games that transcend ordinary competition—those special matchups where legacy, drama, and skill converge. This season delivered plenty, and in this review, I’ll walk you through my top ten must-watch games, unpacking key insights that reveal where the league is headed. Whether you're a casual viewer or a hardcore stats enthusiast, these games offer a masterclass in modern basketball.

Let me start with the season opener between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. The final score, 123-118 in favor of the Warriors, doesn't even begin to tell the full story. Steph Curry dropped 38 points, including a clutch three-pointer with just 45 seconds left, while LeBron James countered with a near-triple-double. What stood out to me, though, was the chess match between coaches Steve Kerr and Darvin Ham. Kerr’s decision to go small in the fourth quarter disrupted the Lakers’ interior defense, forcing Anthony Davis into difficult switches. I’ve always believed that adaptability wins championships, and this game was a textbook example. On the flip side, the Lakers’ reliance on isolation plays in crunch time highlighted a recurring issue—their offense can stagnate when ball movement falters. It’s a pattern I’ve noticed in past seasons, and unless they address it, I doubt they’ll make a deep playoff run.

Another standout was the mid-season clash between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. Jayson Tatum’s 41-point explosion was phenomenal, but it was the Celtics’ defensive adjustments that sealed the 112-108 victory. They double-teamed Giannis Antetokounmpo relentlessly in the second half, holding him to just 12 points after halftime. As someone who values defensive discipline, I was impressed by how Boston executed their game plan without fouling excessively. Compare that to the Bucks, who seemed a step slow on rotations—a surprising flaw for a team known for its defensive identity. Personally, I think Milwaukee’s over-reliance on Giannis could cost them in a seven-game series. They need more consistent contributions from role players, and this game exposed that vulnerability.

Then there was the thriller between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets, which went into double overtime and ended 134-132. Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic put on an absolute show, combining for 85 points. But what fascinated me was the battle in the paint—Denver outrebounded Phoenix 52-44, yet Phoenix’s bench outscored Denver’s 40-28. It’s a reminder that depth matters, especially in marathon games. I’ve long argued that the Nuggets’ bench is their Achilles’ heel, and here it nearly cost them. On the other hand, Devin Booker’s playmaking has evolved; he dished out 12 assists, showing he’s more than just a scorer. If the Suns can maintain that balance, they’re a legitimate title contender, in my opinion.

One game that might fly under the radar but deserves attention is the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Dallas Mavericks. Ja Morant’s return from injury sparked a 120-115 win, but Luka Dončić’s 35-point triple-double was equally mesmerizing. The Grizzlies’ young core—Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane—demonstrated a chemistry that’s rare for such a youthful squad. I’ve followed Morant since his rookie year, and his ability to elevate his teammates is something special. Meanwhile, Dallas’s supporting cast struggled, shooting just 28% from beyond the arc. As much as I admire Dončić, he can’t do it alone night after night. The Mavericks need to surround him with reliable shooters, or they’ll remain stuck in mediocrity.

Speaking of standout performances, the Philadelphia 76ers’ matchup with the Miami Heat was a defensive masterpiece. Joel Embiid’s 32 points and 15 rebounds propelled the Sixers to a 105-98 win, but it was their ability to limit Jimmy Butler to 18 points that stood out. Miami’s offense looked stagnant, and as a fan of tactical basketball, I appreciated how Philadelphia used double teams to force turnovers. Embiid’s MVP-caliber season is no fluke—he’s refined his footwork and conditioning, making him nearly unguardable one-on-one. On the other hand, the Heat’s half-court sets felt predictable, relying too much on mid-range jumpers. If they want to contend, they’ll need to incorporate more ball movement and three-point shooting.

Now, let’s shift to a game that reminded me of the importance of resilience—the New York Knicks versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks rallied from a 15-point deficit to win 108-104, thanks to Jalen Brunson’s 29 points and 10 assists. What struck me was their grit; they outscored Cleveland 32-18 in the fourth quarter, showcasing a never-say-die attitude. I’ve always been a sucker for underdog stories, and this game felt like a statement from a team hungry for respect. Conversely, the Cavaliers’ collapse raised questions about their late-game execution. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are elite scorers, but they need to improve their decision-making under pressure. In tight games, mental toughness often separates good teams from great ones.

Another memorable contest was the Los Angeles Clippers against the Sacramento Kings. The Clippers won 128-125 in overtime, with Kawhi Leonard dropping 36 points. Paul George’s two-way impact was undeniable, but I was particularly impressed by Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox, who scored 40 points and hit a tying three to force OT. The Kings’ up-tempo style is fun to watch, but their defense remains a work in progress. As an analyst, I worry that their lack of size in the frontcourt could haunt them in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ depth—especially off the bench—gives them a versatility that few teams can match. If they stay healthy, and that’s a big if, they could make noise in the postseason.

The Chicago Bulls versus the Atlanta Hawks game was a shootout, ending 130-127 in favor of the Hawks. Trae Young’s 44 points and 12 assists were sublime, but Zach LaVine’s 38 points for Chicago kept it competitive until the final buzzer. What stood out to me was the pace—both teams pushed the ball relentlessly, resulting in 28 fast-break points combined. I’ve always preferred high-octane offenses, and this game was a treat for fans who love scoring. However, the Bulls’ defense was porous, allowing too many open threes. If they want to climb the Eastern Conference standings, they’ll need to tighten up on that end. Atlanta, on the other hand, showed they can win shootouts, but their consistency remains a question mark.

One of the most strategic games I watched this season was the Utah Jazz against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz won 115-110, with Lauri Markkanen scoring 30 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. But it was OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who stole the show with 35 points, showcasing his elite driving ability. As someone who values player development, I’m amazed by how quickly the Thunder’s young core is maturing. That said, their inexperience showed in crunch time, as they committed costly turnovers. The Jazz, meanwhile, played a disciplined, team-oriented game—a testament to coach Will Hardy’s system. I believe they’re a dark horse in the West, capable of upsetting more favored teams.

Finally, the Portland Trail Blazers versus the New Orleans Pelicans round out my list. Damian Lillard’s 50-point outburst led Portland to a 125-122 win, but it was the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson who impressed me with his 32 points and 10 rebounds. Lillard’s range is otherworldly—he hit eight threes, including a 35-footer to seal the game. I’ve followed his career closely, and his clutch gene is undeniable. However, Portland’s defensive lapses are concerning; they allowed 62 points in the paint. If they can’t shore that up, they’ll struggle against elite teams. New Orleans, meanwhile, has the talent to compete, but they need better perimeter defense to complement Williamson’s interior dominance.

Reflecting on these games, a few themes emerge. First, the league is increasingly defined by versatility—teams that can score in multiple ways and adjust defensively are rising to the top. Second, individual brilliance alone isn’t enough; depth and chemistry often decide close games. As a fan, I’m excited by the parity and talent across the league, but as an analyst, I see clear areas for improvement for many contenders. Whether it’s the Lakers’ offensive predictability or the Bucks’ bench issues, the margin for error is slim. Looking ahead, I expect teams to double down on three-point shooting and switch-heavy defenses, trends that have dominated the modern era. Ultimately, this season has been a rollercoaster, and these ten games encapsulate why basketball remains the most dynamic sport in the world.