Thunderstorm in Memphis: Oklahoma City Soars to Historic Playoff Victory Led by a Flawless Hartenstein

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a commanding presence in the 2024-25 NBA regular season and continued to assert their dominance right from the outset of the Playoffs.

With the league’s best record, boasting 68 victories, they overwhelmed the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1, producing a remarkable 131–80 triumph to seize an early lead in the series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates recorded the fifth-highest playoff victory margin in NBA history, and the largest ever in a Game 1. An extraordinary feat.

Interestingly, it wasn’t Shai’s standout performance. He played only 23 minutes, contributing 15 points on 4/13 shooting. The win was a collective effort, highlighted by Aaron Wiggins scoring a team-high 21 points, while Jalen Williams added 20. Chet Holmgren achieved a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Additionally, German national team player Isaiah Hartenstein made a significant impact with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, all while shooting an impressive 7/8 from the field without a single turnover.

On the opposing team, Marvin Bagley and Ja Morant each tallied 17 points, while Santi Aldama managed just five points, alongside four rebounds and three assists in his 19 minutes on the court.