Knicks Struggle to 0-3 Start While Lakers and Grizzlies Remain Undefeated

The reigning champion New York Knicks fell to 0-3 following a loss to the Orlando Magic, while Luka Doncic scored 52 points to keep the Lakers undefeated.

The reigning NBA champion New York Knicks started the 2026-27 season with an 0-3 record, suffering losses to the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic. In the most recent defeat against Orlando, New York blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter while playing without Paolo Banchero. Mikal Bridges is currently averaging 3.3 points per game on 22% shooting, and the team ranks 30th in offensive efficiency.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers moved to 3-0 after Luka Doncic recorded 52 points in a comeback victory against the Utah Jazz on Sunday. The Lakers currently hold the league's top offensive rating, scoring 125.9 points per 100 possessions. Austin Reaves is averaging 26.7 points on 60/60/90 shooting splits, while Walker Kessler leads the NBA in field goal percentage at 82.1%.

The Memphis Grizzlies also reached a 3-0 start, their best since the 2017-18 season, behind 104 total points from Ty Jerome across three games. Rookie Cameron Boozer became the fifth player in league history to record at least 10 rebounds and four assists in each of his first three career games during a win over the Sacramento Kings.

Injury issues have impacted several rosters during the first week. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams was stretchered off the court with an ankle injury, while Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons is sidelined for at least two weeks with a right hamstring strain. Additionally, Orlando’s Jalen Suggs suffered an opening-week injury that will keep him out of the lineup. The San Antonio Spurs, who started 0-2 before beating a Dallas Mavericks team playing without Cooper Flagg, saw Victor Wembanyama shoot 1-of-13 in a loss to the Thunder.