The NBA had thrilling matches and remarkable blowouts that went down in history. Here is the top ten list of the biggest blowouts in NBA.
A blowout in the NBA occurs when one team establishes a substantial lead over the other, making a comeback highly improbable. Typically, a game is labeled a blowout if a team is ahead by more than 12-14 points in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. At this stage, the trailing team may concede by substituting starters and adopting a less aggressive approach.
The largest margin of victory in NBA history was set by the Memphis Grizzlies on December 3, 2021, when they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder by 73 points, with a final score of 152-79. The OKC team closed the game with 9 players in double digits. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the scoreboard with 27 points.
The second-largest blowout in NBA history was achieved by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who defeated the Miami Heat 148-80 on December 17, 1991. The score difference between the two teams was 68 points. For thirty years, that was the worst blowout in NBA history.
On October 13, 2021, in the game between the Mavericks and the Hornets, the record for the second-largest blowout in NBA history was equaled. The match concluded with a score of 127-59, matching the 68-point margin set by the Cavaliers thirty years prior.
On December 27, 1998, the Indiana Pacers achieved one of the most dominant victories in NBA history by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers with a score of 124-59. This game is remembered as one of the most significant blowouts in the league due to the impressive 65-point margin. Reggie Miller was the top scorer for the Pacers that night, contributing 29 points.
On December 17, 1972, the Los Angeles Lakers achieved one of the most dominant victories in NBA history by defeating the Golden State Warriors with a 63-point margin, finishing with an impressive score of 162-99. Gail Goodrich was the top scorer of the game, contributing 44 points.
On January 12, 2024, the Thunder defeated the Trail Blazers 139-77 by a 62-point margin. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Josh Giddey added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the win.
On October 25, 1991, the Golden State Warriors achieved a crushing victory over the Sacramento Kings with a score of 153-91. The game took place at the Oakland Coliseum Arena and is remembered for the 62-point difference between the two teams. Chris Mullin scored 30 points and was the leading scorer.v
On December 12, 1960, the Syracuse Nationals achieved a resounding victory over the New York Knicks with a score of 162-100, resulting in a 62-point margin. Frank Selvy was the leading scorer with 35 points.
On November 17, 2018, the Charlotte Hornets achieved a resounding victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 140-79, resulting in a 61-point margin.
On January 6, 1978, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved an impressive victory over the Detroit Pistons with a score of 143-84, resulting in a 59-point margin. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the standout player of the game with 27 points and 17 rebounds.
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