Grizzlies Suffer Heavy Defeat to Thunder in Playoff Opener
The Memphis Grizzlies were completely outplayed on Sunday, losing 131-80 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their NBA playoff first-round series. The game, played at the Paycom Center, ended with a historic 51-point defeat — the largest margin ever in a Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.
The Thunder took control early, finishing the first quarter with a 12-point lead. They went on a big run in the second quarter and never looked back, dominating the game from start to finish.
Despite scoring only 15 points – his lowest total of the season – Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t need to do much, as his teammates stepped up in a big way. The Grizzlies had no response and will need to make serious changes before Game 2 on Tuesday night.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 17 points, while Desmond Bane added nine. Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled, scoring only four points.
Thunder Blow Grizzlies Away Early
Oklahoma City ended the first quarter with a 32-20 lead after strong defensive play. They continued their dominance in the second quarter, going on a 19-2 run which forced two timeouts from Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo. By half-time, the Thunder led 68-36.
The second half began with more of the same. Oklahoma City started with a 10-0 run, pushing their lead to 42 points and forcing yet another Grizzlies timeout.
At the end of the third quarter, the score was 112-63. Marvin Bagley III managed a half-court buzzer-beater for Memphis, but it did little to change the outcome.
With just over six minutes left in the third quarter, the Thunder were already up by 47 points — nearing the record 58-point playoff win margin in NBA history.
The Grizzlies will need a big response in Game 2 if they hope to stay in the series.
