Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate Memphis Grizzlies In Game 1

The Oklahoma City Thunder lived up to being the best team during the regular season in Game 1 of the Western Conference Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies. They dominated 131-80 to take a 1-0 series lead. It was the fifth-largest margin of victory in postseason history and the largest margin of victory ever in Game 1 of a series. Will this be a sign of things to come for a Thunder team eyeing a deep playoff run?

Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate On Both Ends

Following a 32-20 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Thunder pulled away in the second quarter. They outscored the Grizzlies 36-16 in the period. OKC took a 68-36 lead into intermission. A 20-0 run in the second quarter secured the win before the second half tipped off.

Center Isaiah Hartenstein scored 14 points to lead the team in the first half. He came out on fire beginning the game 7-of-7 from the field. Forward Jalen Williams also had 14 points in the first half. OKC shot a whopping 53.2% from the field and 40% from deep in the opening half. Memphis shot an anemic 33.3% from the field and 11.1% from downtown.

All that was left for the Grizzlies in the second half was to show a sense of professional pride. Even though Sunday was clearly not their day, the team had to show fight and gain momentum heading into Game 2. Unfortunately, the second half began no better for Memphis. OKC recorded a 12-0 run out of the locker room to stretch the lead to 44.

An Oklahoma City Thunder team with the best point differential in regular season history flexed those muscles against an overmatched Grizzlies squad on Sunday afternoon. The largest margin of victory in a postseason game is 58. OKC’s lead stretched as high as 56 this afternoon. Even though the second half was not as dominant, it was a perfect start to the NBA Playoffs for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Final Thoughts

The only positive the Grizzlies can take from Sunday’s beatdown is how they limited Oklahoma City Thunder Point Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He shot 4-of-13 from the field to finish with 15 points. He entered the game scoring 20+ points in 72 consecutive games. That streak came to an end this afternoon. Memphis will look to rebound Tuesday night in Game 2.