What happened: Jayson Tatum became the first player in double figures with 11 points on Oct. 20. The surge extended to 12-0 during national coverage on NBC and Peacock.

Why it matters: The sequence came on the opening night of the 2026-27 season. An early double-digit burst creates separation before rotations settle.

What to watch: The opening-night slate continues with two late games. The next check is whether the early margin holds through the first half.