Grizzlies’ Ja Morant After Historic Playoff Loss: ‘We Will Never Play That Bad Again’

Everything that could go wrong, did — and then some. The Memphis Grizzlies walked into Oklahoma City for Game 1 of their first-round series and left with the kind of playoff loss you don’t just shake off.

You bury it, burn the tape, and hope no one brings it up again.

Final score: Thunder 131, Grizzlies 80. Yes, you read that right — a 51-point loss, the worst in franchise history, and the fifth-largest in NBA playoff history. Not exactly the tone-setter Memphis had in mind.

Ja Morant didn’t sugarcoat it.

“We will never play that bad again,” Morant told reporters, via Damichael Cole of the Commercial Appeal.

OKC Blows It Open Early

For about 10 minutes, it was a basketball game. Then it became a basketball clinic.

The Thunder closed the first quarter on a 34-5 run—yes, 34-5 — and what was once a close game turned into a nightmare. By the time Memphis blinked, they were down 55-22. And it only got worse from there.

Oklahoma City didn’t just dominate — they dissected. Their defense forced tough shots, bad passes, and even worse energy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t need to be a hero, finishing with just 15 points. That’s because the rest of the Thunder starters all showed up — Jalen Williams led the way with 20, and every starter scored in double figures.

Morant Leads Grizzlies — Barely

Morant led the Grizzlies with 17 points and 4 assists, but shot just 1-for-6 from deep. That’s important because against OKC’s swarming paint defense, his jumper has to fall if Memphis wants to hang around in this series.

The Thunder are elite at keeping drivers out of the lane, and Morant is at his best in the lane. Something’s gotta give.

Bagley Shines, Others Vanish

A bright spot? Marvin Bagley III — yes, really. He went a perfect 8-for-8 from the field for 17 points off the bench. But the Grizzlies need way more from the guys who matter most.

Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined for 13 points on 5-for-25 shooting. That won’t cut it. Not against a Thunder team that plays connected, physical, and fast.

What’s Next

Game 1 was a beatdown. But it still only counts for one. Memphis gets a chance to bounce back in Game 2 — Monday night, 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Will they change the starting lineup? Doesn’t sound like it. Scotty Pippen Jr. stayed in the first unit in place of the injured Vince Williams Jr., and the Grizzlies are banking on internal adjustments rather than drastic changes.

If there’s any hope left in this series, it has to start now.

Because if Game 1 is any indication, this Thunder team is not messing around.