NBA Opening Night Blowouts Fuel Regular-Season Backlash

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NBA’s Opening Blowouts Raise Concerns About the Regular Season

The NBA began the 2026-2027 season with a string of lopsided results. The Phoenix Suns scored only 12 points in the first quarter of their opening game, started the season on the wrong end of a 21-0 run and trailed by 31 points after the first quarter.

The Suns were not alone. The Clippers won by 25, Portland by 41, the Lakers by 22 and the Rockets by 18. Of the night’s 11 games, eight ended with double-digit margins. Washington’s 12-point loss was the only one of those eight decided by fewer than 18 points.

The Miami Heat also suffered a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even with what seemed like an ideal performance from Giannis in the first game of the season, the Heat still lost by a wide margin.

The results added to broader frustration with the NBA regular season. Although the league still features incredible talent, including Wemby, Luca and Jokic, following games on a nightly basis has become more difficult. Late start times are part of the problem, as is the uncertainty surrounding whether star players such as LeBron will actually take the court, even after multiple days off.

That uncertainty makes it difficult for fans to commit two hours to watching a game or to buy tickets expecting to see a particular player. The regular season was once considered must-watch basketball every night, but that level of commitment is harder to justify when there is no guarantee the biggest names will play.

The opening slate prompted similar reactions on social media, with many questioning whether the league can sustain months of teams appearing disengaged. Another concern is whether clubs might prioritize performing well at home for paying customers while accepting heavy road losses. With 41 road games to manage, that approach could create a persistent problem throughout the season.

After an opening night filled with ugly basketball and one-sided scores, the question is how the league and its teams will respond as the season unfolds.