What happened: The basket came in Tuesday's Thunder-Spurs opener to begin the 2026-27 season. The possession paired back-to-back MVP Gilgeous-Alexander against Defensive Player of the Year Wembanyama.

Why it matters: The opener put the league's reigning MVP against its reigning top defender on the first night. That matchup frames the early standard for individual awards this season.

What to watch: Both sides continue through the opening-week schedule as rotations settle.