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What are the largest margins of victory in NBA history?

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On Thursday (Dec. 2, 2021), the Grizzlies absolutely dominated the Thunder at the FedEx Forum.

The final score of 152-79 broke multiple records. Not only is it the largest win in Memphis franchise history, but the 73-point margin of victory also breaks the all-time record.  

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The deficit started early as the Grizzlies outscored the Thunder by 15 (31-16) in the first quarter, then they piled it on by outscoring them by 21 (41-20) in the second quarter. On average, Memphis outscored Oklahoma City by 18.3 points per quarter. 

Despite playing without superstar point guard Ja Morant, the Grizzlies led by as much as 78 points on the night. Led by Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 27 points, a total of nine players scored in double figures for Memphis. Even their bench outscored the entire Thunder team, 93-79.

What are the largest margins of victory in NBA history?

Prior to the Grizzlies breaking the record, the largest margin of victory was set in 1991, nearly 30 years ago when the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 148-80. 

Of the top 10 margins of victory in NBA history, seven have occurred after the introduction of the 3-point line (1979) and four of those seven occurred in the 1990s. 

Here's a look at the top 10 margins of victory in NBA history :

Point Margin Game ( Winner ) Final Score Date
73 Thunder at Grizzlies 152-79 Dec. 2, 2021
68 Heat at Cavaliers 148-80 Dec. 17, 1991
65 Trail Blazers at Pacers 124-59 Feb. 27, 1998
63 Warriors at Lakers 162-99 Mar. 19, 1972
62 Kings at Warriors 153-91 Nov 2, 1991
  Knicks at [Syracuse] Nationals 162-100 Dec 25, 1960
61 Grizzlies at Hornets 140-79 Mar 22, 2018
59 Pistons at Bucks 143-84 Dec 26, 1978
  Pacers at Warriors 150-91 Mar 19, 1977
58 Mavericks at Kings 139-81 Dec 29, 1992
  Kings at Bucks 140-82 Dec 15, 1985

Before setting a new mark, the Grizzlies were on the other side of the most recent entry on the top 10 when they lost to the Charlotte Hornets by 61 points in 2018.

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