Thunder Thrash Grizzlies by 51 Points in NBA Playoff Opener
In a stunning display of dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder trounced the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series on Sunday, April 20, 2025. According to ESPN, the 51-point margin of victory was the largest in NBA playoff history for a Game 1 and the fifth-biggest margin of victory in NBA postseason history.
The Thunder’s impressive performance was led by Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points, and Chet Holmgren, who added 19 points and 10 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s scoring champion with nearly 33 points per game, scored a relatively modest 15 points. However, the Thunder’s balanced attack was evident as they shot 50.5% from the field.
As reported by ESPN, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasised that the team’s success was down to their commitment to playing to their identity. "We played to our identity," he said. "Nothing more, nothing less than that. We were who we were all year … and it’s going to be the key to our success, just staying true to who we are."
The Thunder’s victory was part of a historic night for the team. According to ESPN, they became the sixth team to win an NBA playoff game by at least 50 points and only the third since 1973. The team led by as much as 56 points during the game, which was a testament to their dominance.
The win was also a significant milestone in NBA playoff history. ESPN reported that there have been only two 58-point playoff margins in NBA history: Denver beating New Orleans 121-63 on April 27, 2009, and the Minneapolis Lakers beating the St. Louis Hawks 133-75 on March 19, 1956.
In a remarkable contrast, Sunday’s blowout comes just four years after the Grizzlies handed the Thunder a historic beatdown of their own. They beat Oklahoma City by 73 points in a regular-season game on Dec. 2, 2021, setting the record for the largest margin of victory in NBA history.
The series now moves to Game 2, which is scheduled for Tuesday. As ESPN noted, the Thunder will look to build on their impressive performance and take a commanding lead in the series.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
