Thunder Crush Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1: A Historic Playoff Victory Ranking Among the Top 5 in NBA History!

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder made a stunning statement in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 131-80. This victory marked the fifth-largest margin in NBA playoff history, just seven points shy of the record.

Aaron Wiggins led the Thunder with 21 points, supported by Jalen Williams with 20 and Chet Holmgren, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Despite being the league’s top scorer this season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only managed 15 points. However, the team’s collective effort shone through, as they shot 50.5% from the field.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan. “We played to our identity,” he remarked. His focus has been on preparing his teammates well for this postseason, especially after last year’s disappointing exit to the Dallas Mavericks.

On the other side, Memphis struggled. Ja Morant scored 17 points but shot just 35% from the field, while Jaren Jackson Jr. had a tough time with only four points on 2-for-13 shooting. The Grizzlies managed just 34.4% overall, a stark contrast to the Thunder’s dominance.

Historical comparisons highlight the Thunder’s commanding win. The biggest playoff victories include Denver’s 58-point win over New Orleans in 2009 and the Minneapolis Lakers beating the St. Louis Hawks by 58 points back in 1956. Such lopsided scores remind fans just how rare these moments can be in the highly competitive playoff atmosphere.

This game was also the first playoff appearance for Memphis under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo. Despite the tough loss, he remains optimistic about improving in future games. “If you’re in a playoff series, it’s a best of seven… We will analyze it and learn from it,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to bouncing back.

Looking ahead, Game 2 is set for Tuesday, and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault anticipates a closer match. He believes the Grizzlies will come out stronger after their emotional game and the quick turnaround.

As the playoffs unfold, the Thunder’s impressive performance sets the stage for an intriguing series. Fans will be watching closely to see if Memphis can regroup and respond in the next game.

For more detailed coverage, check out the latest updates on AP NBA.

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