Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma City Thunder have sent a resounding message to the NBA in the opening games of their 2025 playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, dominating with a combined 70-point margin across the first two games. This staggering differential marks the second-highest point margin to start a postseason in NBA history, showcasing the Thunder’s unrelenting prowess as the Western Conference’s top seed.
In Game 1 on April 20, 2025, the Thunder obliterated the Grizzlies 131-80, a 51-point victory that set a franchise record for their biggest playoff win and marked the largest Game 1 margin in NBA playoff history. The Thunder’s balanced attack saw six players score in double figures, led by Aaron Wiggins with 21 points off the bench, while Jalen Williams added 20 points and Chet Holmgren contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s scoring champion, had a relatively quiet night with 15 points, yet the Thunder still shot an impressive 50.5% from the field. Memphis, on the other hand, struggled mightily, shooting just 34.4% as a team. Ja Morant managed 17 points on 6-for-17 shooting, and Jaren Jackson Jr. was held to a mere four points on 2-for-13 shooting. The Grizzlies were further hampered by a quick turnaround after their Play-In Tournament win, with interim coach Tuomas Iisalo noting the emotional and physical toll of the schedule. [Web ID: 5] [Web ID: 7] [Web ID: 14]
Game 2 on April 22, 2025, saw the Thunder maintain their dominance, securing a 118-99 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Jalen Williams added 24 points and Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, plus 5 blocks. Alex Caruso chipped in 13 points and 3 steals, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and defensive tenacity. The Grizzlies, despite a slightly better offensive showing, couldn’t keep pace, with their half-court offense continuing to falter against Oklahoma City’s swarming defense. [Post ID: 2] [Post ID: 3]
The Thunder’s success isn’t just about their offensive firepower; their defense has been suffocating. In Game 1, they forced 22 turnovers and limited the Grizzlies to 17.6% from three-point range, while in Game 2, they continued to stifle Memphis’ key players, with Holmgren’s rim protection proving pivotal. This defensive intensity, paired with their high-octane offense, has made the Thunder a formidable force. Oklahoma City’s regular season was already historic, with a league-best 68-14 record and an NBA-record average point differential of 12.9 points per game, and they’ve carried that momentum into the playoffs. [Web ID: 14] [Web ID: 21]
For the Grizzlies, the series has exposed significant challenges. Once a rising power in the West, Memphis has struggled with consistency, losing nine of their last 14 games before the playoffs. The absence of a healthy Ja Morant for stretches of the season, combined with the mid-season firing of coach Taylor Jenkins, has left them disjointed. While Morant, Jackson, and Desmond Bane form a talented trio, they’ve been unable to match the Thunder’s depth and execution. The 70-point combined deficit underscores the gap between the two teams, with some questioning whether Memphis can even force the series to a Game 5. [Web ID: 3] [Web ID: 8]
As the series shifts to Memphis for Game 3, the Grizzlies face an uphill battle. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has emphasized staying true to their identity, a strategy that has clearly worked so far. Meanwhile, Memphis must find a way to slow down Gilgeous-Alexander and exploit any cracks in Oklahoma City’s armor—no easy task against a team that hasn’t lost more than two straight games all season. If the first two games are any indication, the Thunder are not just playing to win this series; they’re playing to cement their status as a championship favorite.
