Thunder open 35-point 1st-half lead over Grizzlies, biggest in any Game 1 of NBA's play-by-play era

Oklahoma City’s playoff run got off to a record-setting start
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot between Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) and center Zach Edey (14) during the first half in Game 1 of an NBA first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot between Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) and center Zach Edey (14) during the first half in Game 1 of an NBA first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City's playoff run got off to a record-setting start.

The Thunder opened a 35-point lead in the first half of Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. That was the biggest first-half lead of any playoff Game 1 in the league's digital play-by-play era that goes back to 1996-97.

Oklahoma City had 35-point leads twice — 61-26 and 63-28. The Thunder settled for a 68-36 lead at halftime, the biggest halftime lead of any playoff game in franchise history.

It was also the biggest halftime deficit ever for the Grizzlies in a playoff game.

Since 1997, there have been only two NBA playoff games where one team led by more than 35 points. Both were done by the Cleveland Cavaliers when LeBron James played there.

The Cavs led at Boston by 41 points twice (70-29 and 72-31) in the first half of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals on May 19, 2017. And the Cavs led Atlanta by 38 points (74-36) in Game 2 of the East semifinals on May 4, 2016.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, signs autographs for fans before Game 1 of an NBA first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzles, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Credit: AP

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Credit: AP

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