Memphis Grizzlies Power Forward Marvin Bagley III With Tremendous Game 1

Memphis Grizzlies Power Forward Marvin Bagley III had a historic Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs Sunday afternoon against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 8-of-8 shooting from the field in 17 minutes. He was the first player in the 2020s with 15+ points, and 100% shooting from the field in under 20 minutes in a playoff game.

This was a shocking performance. Bagley averaged 4.4 points during the regular season. He also played well against the Dallas Mavericks in the final game of the regular season. He scored a season-high 25 points. Will Bagley be a positive contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies this postseason?

Memphis Grizzlies Get Run Off the Floor In Game 1 

Memphis had one of the worst days in postseason history Sunday afternoon. They were drubbed 131-80 in Game 1. It was the fifth-largest margin of victory in postseason history. The margin of victory was also the most for a Game 1 in playoff history,

Bagley III was one of the team’s bright spots. Even though he finished with a +/- of -11, he put forth a strong performance. The issue for the Memphis Grizzlies was their horrendous performance in the first half. After treading water in the first quarter, the Thunder went on a 20-0 run to begin the second quarter to put the game out of reach. Memphis was down 68-36 at the half and did not fare much better in the second half. Bagley was the only Memphis player that looked like they wanted to be on the floor this afternoon.

Final Thoughts

Bagley and the Grizzlies return to the hardwood Tuesday night. Even though Oklahoma City was the league’s best team during the regular season, Sunday’s result was shocking. They need to play more inspired on Tuesday or another blowout could be on the horizon. Bagley’s performance should earn him a bigger role in Game 2.