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[Saba Sports News] The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a record-breaking performance in their dominant win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
In Game 1 of their first-round playoff matchup at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the Thunder crushed the Grizzlies 131-80. The game was effectively decided early, with OKC heading into halftime up 68-36. According to the NBA, the 51-point margin marked the largest Game 1 victory in playoff history.
Oklahoma City also set a new franchise record with 37 assists, surpassing their previous high of 29 with ease. While the Thunder entered the postseason as strong favorites in the West, few expected such a lopsided outcome.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a slow start, scoring just 9 points on 2-of-10 shooting in the first half and finishing with 15. But OKC’s defensive intensity and balanced team effort made up for it, with multiple players stepping up on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies were buried in online memes by halftime—and things only got worse in the second half. The team appeared outclassed in every aspect of the game.
One blowout doesn’t decide a series, but based on Sunday’s showing, the Grizzlies will need a dramatic turnaround to make this a competitive matchup.