Grizzlies throttle Thunder by NBA-record 73-point margin

When John Konchar secured a steal and headed to the hoop, the game was long settled and the Memphis players were reduced to cheerleaders on the sideline.

With 3:02 left in the game, his right-handed slam put the Grizzlies up 145-67 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, setting a new team record for points in a game.

Memphis’ greatest lead on Thursday night was 78 points, but by the time it was over, the Grizzlies were still up 73 points. Their 152-79 victory over the Thunder set a new NBA record for the greatest victory margin.

“I had no idea that was a franchise record at the time,” Konchar remarked. “I just dunked it because I spotted the lane.” But it’s fantastic.”

The 73-point margin comfortably surpassed Cleveland’s previous high of 68 points over Miami. On December 17, 1991, the Cavaliers defeated the Heat 148-80.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated, “Tonight is not necessarily who we are.” “From a competitive standpoint, I believe we’ve demonstrated that.” This isn’t representative of our group.”

The Grizzlies utilized 12 players and nine of them scored in double figures, with Jarvis Jackson Jr. leading the way with 27 points. Memphis was without its greatest player, Ja Morant, who was out with an injury.

At halftime, the Grizzlies led 72-36, and they continued to extend their lead.

“I think there was some defensive lapse, and before you know it, teams get into a rhythm, and the game gets out of hand,” Mike Muscala of Oklahoma City said. “Obviously, we didn’t fight.” You’d rather engage in combat. You’d rather go out and play together, putting your best foot forward.”

Last season, the Thunder came close to being on the losing end of the record, trailing Indiana by 67 points on May 1 before rallying to lose by 57 points, 152-95.

This was much, much worse. Worse in the past.

The Grizzlies set a team record for field goal percentage, making 62.5 percent of their attempts. The Grizzlies got 19 points from De’Anthony Melton, 18 points from Santi Aldama, and 17 points from John Konchar, who didn’t even start.

“Man, it’s fantastic. It feels amazing to be remembered, especially in front of our home audience,” Melton remarked. “And we went through everything one by one, one by one, one by one, one by one, one Everyone pitched in, everyone worked hard, and we all had a chance to play. As a result, it is always a blessing.

“We knew what we had to do with (Morant) going down,” Melton said. “We had no choice but to step up.”

No starter for Memphis played more than 21 minutes. Lu Dort led the Thunder with 15 points, but the Thunder only shot 33% from the field.

After five minutes, the score was 12-8. Memphis was unstoppable from then on. In each of the four quarters, the Grizzlies outscored the Thunder by 15 points.

“Obviously, franchise records are fantastic. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins stated, “Obviously proud of our guys that they don’t think about that.” “Every night, we’re just inspired by what our standards are.” Both offensively and defensively, there was a lot on display tonight.”

It was the Grizzlies’ third straight game in which they led from start to finish.

Daigneault stated, “Obviously, it was a combination of factors.” “They played with a lot of energy and speed. They took a few photos. We didn’t shoot well early on and couldn’t seem to gain a handle on the game. “It doesn’t matter what part of the game it is.”

The Thunder have now dropped eight straight games as they continue to play without a number of key players, including leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was placed in concussion protocol earlier Thursday. On Wednesday night, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points against the Rockets, but he was hit in the head late in the game.

Josh Giddey, who averages 10.4 points and 5.5 assists per game, was unable to fill the vacuum in Oklahoma City’s offense due to a non-COVID-19 sickness, and the remaining players were unable to fill the void.

Prior to Thursday night, the Thunder had been competitive in their previous seven losses. Their highest loss margin was 13 points.

“You become exposed to the highs and lows of competitiveness when you compete,” Daigneault added. “And competition brings enormous joy, but it also brings pain, frustration, and fury.” And when you enter the ring, you’re exposing yourself to all of those things. It’s why the joy feels so fantastic, because it doesn’t feel right when you get pounded and taste your own blood.”

TIP-INS

Thunder: Ty Jerome started for the first time this season in place of Gilgeous-Alexander and scored 12 points. Darius Bazley is the only player in Oklahoma City’s lineup who has started all 22 games. Oklahoma City’s 36 points in the first half were the team’s lowest total for a half this season.

Grizzlies: Reserves Kyle Anderson (back pain) and Ziaire Williams (left knee soreness) were both out due to injury. Since Morant hurt his right knee against Atlanta last Friday, Memphis is 3-0. The Thunder’s 36 points were a season low for an opponent in a half. The previous greatest margin of victory for Memphis was 49 points in a 133-84 victory over Houston on Feb. 28, 2021. Memphis has scored 152 points in a game for the first time. On Jan. 3, 2007, it scored 144 points against Golden State.

COMING UP NEXT

Thunder: On Monday, they’ll be in Detroit.

The Grizzlies will play in Dallas on Saturday.