3 early surprises in the 2022-23 NBA season
As we approach the first quarter of the 2022-23 NBA season, we have seen some teams struggle. Meanwhile, others have exceeded expectations.
In this article, we take a look at three teams that have emerged as pleasant surprises so far this NBA season.
#1 - Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have put the entire league on notice with their performance as of late.
Following a disappointing start (0-4), they have won 10 of their last 12 games. They've entered the playoff zone in the NBA Western Conference and are fighting for a place in the Top 4 (currently third, at 10-6).
Following their 113-109 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, the Kings are the hottest team in the NBA right now. This is especially true since they've won their last seven games.
During this streak, seven different players have averaged double-digit scoring. Leading the pack is De'Aaron Fox, who is averaging 24 points during this run.
"This is the best basketball (he's) played in his career," teammate Harrison Barnes said, via Fox. "He's playing at an All-Star level. He's doing it on the offensive end (and the) defensive end. Getting guys involved. Just all over the place making plays happen."
While their outstanding play continues, a key to the Kings' improvement has come via their three-point percentage, which was at 40.8% over their six straight victories and prior to their clash with the Grizzlies.
Before the game in Memphis, Sacramento scored 130+ points in three straight contests and 120+ points in six consecutive games.
During their impressive run, head coach Mike Brown has seen his players adapt to his ideas and tactics and find their place in the rotation.
Hence, the Kings are playing great basketball at the moment and are focused on returning to the NBA playoffs for the first time in 16 years.
#2 - Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers aim to extend their winning streak to six games when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Pacers have proved doubters wrong early in the season, having won five straight games and eight of their last nine.
"We've just got great people who are good teammates and want the next guy to succeed," T.J. McConnell, who had a season-high 19 points and 10 assists Monday vs the Orlando Magic, said. "And we do that at a high level: Make the extra pass, covering for each other on defense. And we've got a lot of young guys who get out and run, and I think we just kind of take people by surprise."
Indiana's success has been one of the most surprising developments early in the season, thanks to multiple players stepping up and making a difference offensively.
Benedict Mathurin's average of 19.3 points is second on the team, behind only Tyrese Haliburton's 20.4. Haliburton leads the league in assists at 10.7 per game.
With a total of five players averaging more than 17 points, Indiana has emerged as a playoff contender in the East (10-6). The Pacers are second in the NBA in assists at 22.1 per game and are in the league's top five offensively (116.8 ppg).
#3 - Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards (10-7) have won six of their last seven games and are just three games behind league leaders the Boston Celtics (13-4).
Despite playing five games without their leader Bradley Beal, the Wizards have found a way to remain on the winning track and climb to the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference in the NBA.
Beal missed five games due to the health and safety protocols of the NBA. It is doubtful that he will play on Wednesday versus the Miami Heat. This is due to a right quadriceps injury he suffered during the Wizards' 106-102 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
"He'll be evaluated and then we will make a determination," coach Wes Unseld Jr. said.
Beal has team-leading averages in points (22.7) and assists (5.8), while shooting at 51.2% from the floor.
This year, the All-Star guard is getting significant help from Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis. These two have taken over on both ends and are playing at very high standards. Hence, Washington has remained competitive despite its leader's absence.
Kyle Kuzma recorded his fifth double-double of the season after collecting 28 points and 10 rebounds against the Hornets. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points, along with a season-high 17 rebounds and five assists against the Heat a few days ago.
Washington managed to protect its home court by going 5-1 during a six-game home stretch. However, they will now be traveling a lot, as 17 of their next 23 NBA games are on the road.
"We have some tough road games coming up," Kuzma said, per NBC Sports Washington, via NBA.com. "If we want to be a good team in this league, we have to handle business on the road and create opportunity for us."
Their performance on the road will determine how competitive the Washington Wizards will be moving forward.
For the time being, they are among the early surprises of the NBA season as they seek to maintain their playoff status and advance to the postseason.
