The Memphis Grizzlies have been utterly outplayed on Sunday, dropping 131-80 to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in Recreation 1 of their NBA playoff first-round sequence. The sport, performed on the Paycom Middle, ended with a historic 51-point defeat — the most important margin ever in a Recreation 1 of the NBA playoffs.
The Thunder took management early, ending the primary quarter with a 12-point lead. They went on a giant run within the second quarter and by no means regarded again, dominating the sport from begin to end.
Regardless of scoring solely 15 factors – his lowest complete of the season – Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t must do a lot, as his teammates stepped up in a giant manner. The Grizzlies had no response and might want to make severe adjustments earlier than Recreation 2 on Tuesday evening.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 17 factors, whereas Desmond Bane added 9. Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled, scoring solely 4 factors.
Thunder Blow Grizzlies Away Early
Oklahoma Metropolis ended the primary quarter with a 32-20 lead after sturdy defensive play. They continued their dominance within the second quarter, happening a 19-2 run which pressured two timeouts from Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo. By half-time, the Thunder led 68-36.
The second half started with extra of the identical. Oklahoma Metropolis began with a 10-0 run, pushing their result in 42 factors and forcing yet one more Grizzlies timeout.
On the finish of the third quarter, the rating was 112-63. Marvin Bagley III managed a half-court buzzer-beater for Memphis, however it did little to vary the end result.
With simply over six minutes left within the third quarter, the Thunder have been already up by 47 factors — nearing the file 58-point playoff win margin in NBA historical past.
The Grizzlies will want a giant response in Recreation 2 in the event that they hope to remain within the sequence.
