In an electrifying start to the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder obliterated the Memphis Grizzlies with a staggering 51-point victory, marking the largest margin of victory in a Game 1 in NBA history. The final score, 123-72, sends shockwaves through the league, with the Thunder flirting dangerously close to the all-time playoff record for margin, which stands at 58.
The Grizzlies, coming off two grueling play-in games, appeared drained and unable to compete, while OKC showcased exceptional depth and dominance. Even with star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring a mere 19 points鈥攈is lowest output since October鈥擮klahoma City cruised to victory. A pivotal moment came when Marvin Bagley III hit a monumental three-pointer to cut the lead to 49 points heading into the fourth quarter, momentarily sparking hopes for a Grizzlies comeback.
However, Memphis’s struggles were glaring. Jaren Jackson Jr. limped through the game with a dismal 2-for-13 shooting, while Desmond Bane managed only 3-for-12. With their secondary stars faltering, the Grizzlies are left to ponder their next steps as they face an uphill battle in this series.
The question now looms large: Can Memphis rebound from this historic beating, or are the Thunder poised for a sweep? With momentum firmly in their corner, Oklahoma City has sent a clear message鈥攖his playoff run is not just a dream; it’s a mission. As the series continues, all eyes will be on how the Grizzlies respond. What seemed like a hopeful playoff journey just turned into a daunting challenge.