Winners and losers from the NBA’s opening week in 2018-19

The first week of the 2018-19 NBA season is complete. Some players can use it for a launching pad to a career year, or a wake-up call to get their game in order.

Eight whole days of the NBA’s 2018-19 schedule have passed, and as usual, the overreactions are flying as fast and furiously as Rajon Rondo‘s fists.

Most teams have played three or four games. It’s not a large enough sample size to crown anyone MVP or hand out championship trophies, but there are some big-picture positives and negatives that can be taken away from these early ups and downs.

There’s no need to over-analyze the fact that the Denver Nuggets sit atop the Western Conference at 4-0, or that the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder are bringing up the rear at 0-3.

In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have no need to panic over their 0-3 record, just like Motown shouldn’t book a championship parade just because the Detroit Pistons are 3-0.

Many of the league’s established stars are doing exactly what is expected of them, while others are struggling by their own lofty standards.

Some players are laying the groundwork for a breakout season, and some are looking like their game is declining. Some rookies are making their mark from the get-go, while others are having problems adjusting to the NBA.

Here are some winners and losers from the league’s opening week of action.