OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder sent an unmistakable message to the rest of the league on Sunday night: the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference isn’t here just to participate — they’re here to dominate.
In a jaw-dropping display of dominance, the Thunder crushed the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The 51-point margin of victory ranks as the fifth-largest in NBA postseason history, a margin so staggering that it not only set the tone for this series but reverberated across the entire playoff landscape.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement.
A Start to Remember
Coming into this game, the Thunder had momentum, confidence, and a chip on their shoulder. They finished the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record, the best in franchise history, and secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Despite their dominance, skeptics wondered if their young core had the poise and playoff savvy to go deep.
They answered those questions — emphatically.
From the opening tip, Oklahoma City was locked in. Their ball movement was crisp, their energy unmatched, and their defensive intensity relentless. It took less than a quarter for the outcome to feel inevitable.
Balanced Brilliance
What stood out wasn’t just the margin — it was how they achieved it.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 20 points, showcasing his trademark versatility. He scored in transition, slashed to the rim with ease, and knocked down timely jumpers. His playmaking and decision-making were mature beyond his years.
Chet Holmgren, the 7-foot rookie phenom, was a force on both ends. He added 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, anchoring the paint with shot-blocking and altering countless attempts by the Grizzlies. His presence disrupted Memphis’ offensive rhythm and gave Oklahoma City a reliable safety net on defense.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s scoring champion who averaged nearly 33 points per game, had a relatively quiet night by his standards, finishing with 15 points. But that was perhaps the scariest part of this performance: the Thunder dropped 131 points and blew out their opponent without a monster game from their superstar.
They didn’t need it.
The Thunder shot 50.5% from the field, executing their offense with fluidity and precision. Their bench contributed heavily, with key reserves stepping up to extend the lead rather than simply maintain it.
Memphis Meltdown
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, looked overwhelmed from the start. Without the composure or cohesion needed to weather the Thunder’s early storm, they found themselves down big early — and it only got worse.
Ja Morant led the way for Memphis with 17 points, but it came on an inefficient 6-for-17 shooting. He struggled to find rhythm against the Thunder’s length and pressure. Known for his explosive drives and highlight-reel finishes, Morant was repeatedly forced into tough floaters and mid-range shots.
Jaren Jackson Jr., the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and a key offensive contributor, had perhaps the most disappointing performance of the night. He finished with just 4 points on 2-for-13 shooting, and his impact on the game was virtually nonexistent.
Marvin Bagley III also added 17 points, but his contributions were largely in garbage time. As a team, Memphis shot a dismal 34.4% from the field and looked completely out of sync.
A Historic Blowout
The 51-point margin tied for the fifth-largest in NBA playoff history, a fact that underscores the sheer dominance of Oklahoma City’s performance. Here are the only four postseason games with a greater margin:
- Denver 121, New Orleans 63 (2009) — 58 points
- Minneapolis Lakers 133, St. Louis Hawks 75 (1956) — 58 points
- L.A. Lakers 126, Golden State 70 (1973) — 56 points
- Chicago Bulls 120, Milwaukee Bucks 66 (2015) — 54 points
Now, joining that pantheon of playoff destruction: Thunder 131, Grizzlies 80.
Perhaps even more impressive, this was the largest Game 1 victory in NBA playoff history. No team had ever opened a series with a bigger win, and Oklahoma City’s performance ensured they made history on both a franchise and league-wide level.
Coaching Under Fire
This also marked Tuomas Iisalo’s first playoff game as the Grizzlies’ interim head coach. A late-season replacement, Iisalo had just nine regular-season games under his belt before leading Memphis into the postseason. Tasked with stabilizing a team plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and leadership changes, his debut couldn’t have been more challenging — or more humbling.
He now faces the daunting task of regrouping a young, shaken team before Game 2.
Thunder’s Core on Full Display
What’s remarkable about this Oklahoma City squad is their youth. This is a team built through smart drafting, savvy trades, and a focus on development. Gilgeous-Alexander is just 25, Williams is 23, and Holmgren is a rookie. They aren’t just the future — they’re the present.
Their chemistry is evident. On offense, they pass up good shots for great ones. On defense, they rotate and recover with the precision of a veteran unit. And most importantly, they play with joy — an infectious energy that reflects head coach Mark Daigneault’s leadership and the culture he’s cultivated.
Fans Fuel the Fire
The crowd at Paycom Center was electric from the jump. The “Thunder Up” chants echoed through the arena with every dunk, every three, and every defensive stop. By halftime, when the Thunder led by 35, it felt more like a celebration than a competition.
In a season where Oklahoma City’s fans have watched their team evolve from promising to powerhouse, Game 1 was a victory lap — and perhaps a glimpse into a long playoff run.
Looking Ahead
Of course, it’s just one game.
The playoffs are about adjustments. Memphis will look to regroup and respond in Game 2, hoping to salvage some pride and recalibrate their game plan. They’ll need improved shooting, better ball movement, and most importantly, belief.
But for now, Oklahoma City has seized control — and they did it in historic fashion.
This team, once considered too young to contend, now looks like the most dangerous squad in the West.
Game 2 can’t come soon enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest margin of victory in NBA playoff history?
The largest playoff win in NBA history is a tie between two games where the winning teams overwhelmed their opponents with nearly unmatched dominance.
Where does the Thunder’s win rank in NBA history?
The Thunder’s blowout victory over the Grizzlies is among the top handful of most lopsided wins in NBA playoff history.
Who stood out for the Thunder in Game 1?
Jalen Williams led with confident scoring and smart decision-making. Chet Holmgren delivered a double-double performance, showcasing his presence on both ends of the floor. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quieter night than usual, but the team’s balance made up for it.
How did the Grizzlies fare?
The Grizzlies struggled across the board. Ja Morant led the team in scoring but had difficulty finding his rhythm. Jaren Jackson Jr. couldn’t get going offensively, and the team overall had trouble hitting shots and keeping up defensively.
Was this the most dominant Game 1 performance ever?
Yes. This was the most commanding Game 1 win in NBA playoff history, setting a new benchmark for opening-round dominance.
Who is coaching the Grizzlies?
Tuomas Iisalo is serving as the Grizzlies’ interim head coach. Game 1 marked his first playoff game at the helm, following a brief regular-season stint.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just open their playoff journey — they kicked the door wide open with one of the most emphatic wins in league history. It was a powerful combination of teamwork, intensity, and execution that made the victory feel inevitable from the start.
For Memphis, the game served as a wake-up call. They’ll need to regroup quickly, rediscover their identity, and find answers on both ends of the court if they hope to bounce back. The series is far from over, but the tone has been unmistakably set.
