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« Yeah, I never did this to make it short. So it was cool », qualifies with great detachment Jalen Williams, asked about his “Alley-oop” finished in one hand in front of Santi Aldama in counterattack. An authoritarian finish considered the dunk of the evening Who offered, at that time of the first match against the Grizzlies, 35 points ahead of his Thunder.
This gap will climb up to 56 units, to finish at 51 points. Or the 5th biggest victory in the history of the playoffs. At the end of this historical success therefore, no effusion of joy, however.
Bigger differences in the history of playoffs
- 2025 1st round: The Thunder beats the Grizzlies of 51 points
- 2015 1st round: Bulls beat Bucks from 54 points
- 2009 1st round: Nuggets beat the 58 -point hornets
- 1973 Conference final: Lakers beat the Warriors of 56 points
- 1971 2nd round: Bucks beat the 50 points warriors
- 1956 2nd round: Lakers beat Hawks of 58 points
« We played according to our identity. Nothing more, nothing less. We were faithful to what we were all year round and it will be the key to our success: to remain faithful to ourselves », Judge Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This one did not even need to do better than a modest outing at 15 points (4/13 on shots). Alongside him, five other players passed the 11 -point mark, including 21 units for Aaron Wiggins or 20 for Jalen Williams.
« I have a great group of guys around me, and I know it. I have known it for a long time … They were obviously incredible “, Continues” SGA “while Williams at a press conference emphasizes defense – the grizzly guys were contained at 80 points with 34% success – to explain this huge gap. “” Defensively we were very good », pointe Williams. « There is no secret “, Complete his leader.
A stifling defense
The best defense of the league was still physical and stifling, leaving little room for maneuver to Ja Morrant and his troop, especially in a terrible second quarter (36-16). The Thunder stole 12 balloons and scored 27 points in counterattack.
OKC ideally started its playoff campaign. Less awaited, the Thunder was satisfied with a two -point victory at the opening last year against the Pelicans. This series had ended in “sweep”, then OKC had not passed the obstacle of the Mavs.
« Last year was so different from the fact that it was our first. This time, we have already been in this situation. In the end, it remains basketball. No matter how dek you are. Gain by 50 or one point, the goal is to win Summarizes Williams.
A nod of the story, Sunday's rout occurs only four years after the Grizzlies had inflicted a historic root on the Thunder. On December 2, 2021, during a regular season match, they broke OKC with 73 points apart, establishing the record for the widest difference in points in the history of the NBA.
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