Table of Contents
NBA Playoff Scores April 21 2024: Thunder Blow Out Grizzlies, Celtics and Cavs Cruise, Warriors Strike First
The NBA Playoffs 2024 tipped off with a bang on Sunday, April 21 — and for one team, it ended in absolute humiliation.
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered one of the most lopsided beatdowns in postseason history, demolishing the Memphis Grizzlies by 51 points. Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors protected home court and looked every bit the contenders.
Let’s break down each game, the standout performers, and what it means moving into Game 2.
Get more betting trends, daily insights, and advanced projections at the SportsHub Daily Report
Thunder 131, Grizzlies 80 — A Historic Opening Statement
The Oklahoma City Thunder, top seed in the West, opened their playoff run by absolutely obliterating the Grizzlies, 131-80 — the fifth-largest playoff margin in NBA history and the biggest ever in a Game 1.
The Thunder had already beaten Memphis four times in the regular season by 13+ points. But Sunday’s game was something else entirely.
Key Stats & Highlights:
- Aaron Wiggins: 21 points off the bench
- Jalen Williams: 20 points, 6 assists
- Chet Holmgren: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting
- Fast-break points: OKC 27, MEM 5
- Points off turnovers: OKC 24 off MEM’s 24 turnovers
Oklahoma City had every player in rhythm. Even with SGA having a quiet night, the Thunder’s depth, pace, and defensive pressure overwhelmed a depleted Memphis roster.
Ja Morant and Marvin Bagley III led Memphis with 17 points apiece, but the Grizzlies never got into a groove and shot just 37% from the field.
Want to stay sharp on playoff predictions? See SportsHub NBA Computer Picks
Celtics 103, Magic 86 — Derrick White Ignites Boston
Derrick White was on fire at TD Garden, draining seven 3-pointers en route to a team-high 30 points as the Boston Celtics clamped down on the Orlando Magic to take Game 1.
Jayson Tatum didn’t need to go nuclear — he quietly posted 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown returned from injury to score 16 in 30 minutes. Payton Pritchard chipped in 19 off the bench.
But this one belonged to Boston’s defense.
Magic Struggles:
- Paolo Banchero: 36 points, 11 rebounds (lone bright spot)
- Franz Wagner: 23 points
- No other Magic player scored more than 7 points
- Team shooting: 40.3% overall, 25% from deep
- Turnovers: 14
Boston showed why it’s the top defense in the East, suffocating everyone not named Banchero and keeping Orlando from ever seriously threatening.
For East playoff outlooks, explore the SportsHub NBA Odds & Scores
Cavaliers 121, Heat 100 — Jerome Shines in Debut, Mitchell Ties Jordan
Donovan Mitchell had 30 points. That’s expected.
But it was Ty Jerome, the surprise hero, who stunned the Heat with 28 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter of his playoff debut as the Cavaliers cruised to a Game 1 win over the Miami Heat.
The Jerome Effect:
- 10-of-15 FG, 5-of-8 from deep
- 3 assists in the 4th quarter
- Key buckets as Cleveland pulled away late
Mitchell’s 30-point outing also tied Michael Jordan’s record for most consecutive 30-point Game 1s (7).
Meanwhile, Miami looked fatigued, having just clawed through the Play-In as a 10-seed. Bam Adebayo had 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Tyler Herro added 21 — but it wasn’t enough.
Cleveland outshot Miami 54% to 44%, dominated bench scoring 45-24, and simply looked fresher, deeper, and more explosive.
Need smarter betting angles? Check the SportsHub Bettor’s Handbook
Warriors 95, Rockets 85 — Curry Back in MVP Form
Let’s put it plainly: Stephen Curry owned Game 1.
The future Hall of Famer rebounded from a brutal 1-for-10 shooting night vs. Houston in early April by pouring in 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting in the Golden State Warriors’ 95-85 win over the Houston Rockets.
Curry hit five triples, dished five assists, and set the tone early and often.
Jimmy Butler III added 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a balanced Warriors attack. Golden State took advantage of 17 Rockets turnovers, turning them into 25 points — the kind of efficiency playoff teams thrive on.
Houston’s shooting woes:
- Alperen Sengun: 26 points, 9 rebounds (bright spot)
- Jalen Green + Fred VanVleet: Combined 7-for-34
- Team FG%: 39.1%
- 3-point FG%: 23.5%
Golden State’s experience showed — they controlled tempo, made timely defensive plays, and let Curry cook.
Explore Warriors playoff trends via SportsHub NBA insights.
FAQs
What was the biggest win in the NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2024?
The Thunder beat the Grizzlies by 51 points, the fifth-largest margin in playoff history.
Who led the Celtics in scoring?
Derrick White with 30 points, including seven 3-pointers.
Did Donovan Mitchell break a record?
He tied Michael Jordan’s record for most consecutive 30-point Game 1s (7).
Who was the breakout star of the day?
Ty Jerome — 28 points in his playoff debut for the Cavaliers.
How did Stephen Curry play?
He scored 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including five 3s, to lead the Warriors to a Game 1 win.
Final Thoughts: NBA Playoff Scores April 21 2024
What a day of postseason basketball. From record-setting blowouts to vintage performances to new playoff heroes, the opening Sunday of the 2024 NBA Playoffs delivered in every way.
- The Thunder look like legitimate title contenders.
- The Celtics proved defense still wins playoff games.
- The Cavaliers flexed their depth.
- The Warriors showed they’re still dangerous with Curry leading the way.
As Game 2 matchups loom, expect adjustments, desperation, and maybe even a few upsets.
Track the latest playoff lines and top trends at SportsHub NBA Odds or see Free SportsHub Picks for expert opinions.
