Oklahoma City Thunder Win Falls Just Shy of NBA Record for Largest Margin

In a staggering display of dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 139-77 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, marking a 62-point win. Although the Thunder’s triumph ties for the fifth-largest margin of victory in NBA regular-season history, it falls just short of breaking the league record set by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021.

Thunder’s Commanding Performance

The Thunder’s commanding performance unfolded with a remarkable lead throughout the game. They led 36-24 after the first quarter and closed the second quarter with a decisive 16-2 run, entering halftime with a commanding 75-39 lead. The third quarter saw an overwhelming 43-17 outscoring, solidifying their 118-56 advantage going into the final quarter.

Blazers: Historic Loss but Not the Worst

Remarkably, the 62-point loss for the Portland Trail Blazers isn’t their worst in franchise history. The team faced a 65-point defeat in a 1998 game against the Indiana Pacers, which remains their most lopsided loss. The Trail Blazers now hold the unique distinction of being the first team in NBA history to suffer multiple losses by 60 or more points.

Thunder’s Place in NBA History

While the Thunder’s 62-point win wasn’t sufficient to erase the franchise’s record for the most-lopsided loss (a 152-79 defeat by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021), it cements their place in NBA history. Joining an elite group, the Thunder became the eighth team to secure a regular-season victory by 60 or more points.

NBA’s Largest Margins of Victory

The NBA’s record for the largest margin of victory remains with the Memphis Grizzlies, who defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder by an astounding 73 points on December 2, 2021. The Thunder’s recent win now stands as the fifth-largest, sharing the spot with several other historical blowouts.

1. 73 points – Memphis Grizzlies 152, Oklahoma City Thunder 79 (Dec. 2, 2021)
2. 68 points – Cleveland Cavaliers 148, Miami Heat 80 (Dec. 17, 1991)
3. 65 points – Indiana Pacers 124, Portland Trail Blazers 59 (Feb. 27, 1998)
4. 63 points – Los Angeles Lakers 162, Golden State Warriors 99 (March 19, 1972)
5. 62 points – Oklahoma City Thunder 139, Portland Trail Blazers 77 (Jan. 11, 2024)
6. 62 points – Golden State Warriors 153, Sacramento Kings 91 (Nov. 2, 1991)
7. 62 points – Syracuse Nationals 162, New York Knicks 100 (Dec. 25, 1960)
8. 61 points – Charlotte Hornets 140, Memphis Grizzlies 79 (March 22, 2018)

Thunder’s Resounding Win Makes NBA History

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s resounding victory against the Portland Trail Blazers adds another chapter to NBA history, although falling just short of the all-time record. The team’s dominance places them in a select group of franchises that have achieved remarkable victories, showcasing the unpredictable nature and excitement of professional basketball.