Thunder’s 51-Point Demolition of Grizzlies Joins NBA Playoff History’s Biggest Blowouts
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a performance for the ages, crushing the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. This 51-point victory not only stunned Memphis but also etched Oklahoma City’s name into the NBA record books as one of the largest playoff blowouts ever.
A Record-Breaking Night in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s Game 1 win set a new standard for dominance, marking the largest margin of victory ever recorded in a Game 1 of any NBA playoff series. The Thunder’s relentless attack included a 23-2 run in the second quarter, ballooning their halftime lead to 32 points. By the third quarter, OKC had outscored Memphis 44-27, stretching the lead to an astonishing 49 points before ultimately finishing with a 51-point gap.
This wasn’t just a team record for the Thunder—it was also the worst playoff defeat in Grizzlies franchise history.
Where Does This Blowout Rank All-Time?
The Thunder’s 51-point win now stands as the fifth-largest margin in NBA playoff history. Only four games have ever ended with a wider gap:
| Rank | Margin | Winner | Loser | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-1 | 58 | Denver Nuggets | New Orleans Hornets | 2009 |
| T-1 | 58 | Minneapolis Lakers | St. Louis Hawks | 1956 |
| 3 | 56 | Los Angeles Lakers | Golden State Warriors | 1973 |
| 4 | 54 | Chicago Bulls | Milwaukee Bucks | 2015 |
| 5 | 51 | OKC Thunder | Memphis Grizzlies | 2025 |
Biggest Margins by Playoff Game Number
Oklahoma City’s win is also the largest ever in a Game 1. Other record-setting blowouts by game number include:
-
Game 2: 58 points (Minneapolis Lakers over St. Louis Hawks, 1956)
-
Game 3: 56 points (Lakers over Warriors, 1973)
-
Game 4: 58 points (Nuggets over Hornets, 2009)
-
Game 5: 50 points (Bucks over Warriors, 1971)
-
Game 6: 54 points (Bulls over Bucks, 2015)
-
Game 7: 40 points (Mavericks over Rockets, 2005)
How Rare Are 50-Point Playoff Wins?
Blowouts of this magnitude are extremely rare in the NBA postseason. Only five teams—including this year’s Thunder—have ever won a playoff game by 50 points or more. The most recent before OKC was the Bulls’ 54-point dismantling of the Bucks in 2015.
A Statement Start for the Thunder
For Oklahoma City, this win is more than just a stat—it’s a statement of intent as they chase a deep playoff run. With six players scoring in double figures and a suffocating defense, the Thunder have set the tone for the series and sent a message to the rest of the league: they’re here to make history.
Final Word:
The Thunder’s Game 1 destruction of the Grizzlies will be remembered as one of the most lopsided victories in NBA playoff history—a rare feat that cements their place in the league’s record books and raises expectations for what’s to come this postseason.
Leave a Reply