In a stunning display of dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Memphis Grizzlies 51 points in Game 1 of their playoff series, marking the largest margin of victory in NBA history for a Game 1. The Thunder’s relentless performance not only showcased their offensive prowess but also left the Grizzlies reeling after a grueling play-in tournament. With the score reaching a staggering 56-point lead at one point, OKC flirted with the record for the largest margin in playoff history, which stands at 58.

Despite the Thunder’s overwhelming victory, star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander experienced his worst game of the season, scoring under 20 points for the first time since last October. Yet, even with SGA’s off night, the Thunder’s well-rounded team effort proved insurmountable for Memphis, whose key players struggled significantly. Jaren Jackson Jr. managed just 2-for-13 shooting, while Desmond Bane faltered with 3-for-12, leaving the Grizzlies’ offensive strategy in shambles.

As the Thunder bask in the glory of this historic win, the focus now shifts to how Memphis will respond. Will they find a way to rebound from this crushing defeat, or is this the beginning of a swift OKC sweep? The stakes couldn’t be higher as the series resumes, with the Grizzlies desperately needing to regroup and find their footing in the face of overwhelming adversity. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering: can Memphis recover, or has the Thunder truly set the tone for a commanding playoff run?