The Memphis Grizzlies have relinquished their first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, part of a trade deal that brought Marvin Bagley III to the team while sending Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards. Despite securing the 18th overall pick after winning a tiebreaker, the Grizzlies opted for a lottery protection on the pick, which could have been retained had they failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, a play-in game victory over the Dallas Mavericks led to this crucial decision, ultimately setting them up against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.

This scenario has sparked debates on the value of winning in the current competitive environment, particularly regarding the prevalent strategy of 'tanking' for better draft positions. Many analysts argue that by winning, the Grizzlies not only gain invaluable playoff experience but also allow interim coach Tuomas Iisalo the chance to demonstrate his capabilities in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Memphis still holds two second-round picks in the upcoming draft, previously acquired through deals with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, indicating that the team remains focused on future opportunities despite this setback.

In a surprising twist, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1, scoring just 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting. Despite his off-night, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated, winning 131-80, showcasing their depth. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance was a mere footnote in one of the most lopsided playoff games in NBA history, reflecting the strong support from his teammates, who picked up the slack. The Thunder's success without their star's usual scoring output highlights their collective strength and raises questions about their championship potential if Gilgeous-Alexander recovers from this performance.

The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a remarkable performance with a historic 131-80 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their playoff series. The victory not only secured a 1-0 series lead but also showcased a dominant team effort, as all starters reached double-digit scoring. The Thunder led by as many as 56 points, with standout contributions from Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points and dished out six assists, and Chet Holmgren with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Off the bench, Aaron Wiggins added a substantial 21 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 14 points and eight boards. On the Grizzlies' side, star Ja Morant struggled, managing only 17 points on 35% shooting, echoing the overall team inefficiency against OKC's fierce defense.

The Memphis Grizzlies have clinched a playoff spot after a strong performance against the Dallas Mavericks, overcoming adversity with key players like Ja Morant and Marvin Bagley III battling through injuries. The Grizzlies will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, a team they struggled against in the regular season, losing all four matchups. As the playoff series approaches, the emphasis for Memphis is on self-focus and limiting turnovers, with Desmond Bane highlighting the importance of ball security and Morant stressing defensive responsibilities. The Grizzlies will mainly need to contain MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dominated in previous encounters, averaging over 36 points per game.

Yuki Kawamura, the Memphis Grizzlies guard, showcased his impressive passing skills in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, finishing with a stunning no-look overhead pass that led to a dunk by Marvin Bagley III. This moment not only electrified the FedExForum crowd but also highlighted Kawamura's talents as he made the most of increased minutes due to several key players, including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., being sidelined with soreness. Currently on a two-way contract, this match marked Kawamura's last appearance of the season for the Grizzlies, as he is ineligible for the playoffs.

In the regular season, Kawamura excelled in the G League, averaging 7.8 assists per game, showcasing his ability as a playmaker. The absence of stars allowed him to shine, and his flair for creative plays has garnered attention, leaving fans hopeful for his future contributions.