Top 5 most surprising NBA results so far in the 2022-23 season as OKC Thunder trounce Boston Celtics by 33 points
The NBA's No. 1 team, the Boston Celtics, were blown out by the shorthanded OKC Thunder 150-117 on Tuesday night. The game marked one of the most surprising outcomes of the 2022-2023 NBA season so far.
However, in a long 82-game season, even the best teams are prone to having some off nights. On that note, here is where Boston's most recent loss ranks among the most surprising blowouts this season.
#5 New York Knicks defeat Golden State Warriors 132-94 (38-point win) on Dec. 20
The New York Knicks ripped off a surprising eight-game winning streak last month. Perhaps none of their wins were more surprising than their eighth straight as they beat the defending champion Golden State Warriors 132-94 on Dec. 20, 2022.
The Warriors were without superstar point guard Steph Curry in the loss. However, other key players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jordan Poole all suited up for Golden State.
The loss dropped the Warriors to 15-17 and just 3-15 on the road at the time. Meanwhile, New York improved to 18-13.
#4 Sacramento Kings defeat Brooklyn Nets 153-121 (32-point win) on Nov. 15
The Brooklyn Nets are currently riding a league-best 12-game winning streak. However, early on in the season, the team faced multiple issues on and off the court. The Nets' struggles culminated in a massive 153-121 defeat against the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 15, 2022.
Sacramento was led by reserve guard Terence Davis, who scored a game-high 31 points on 75.0% shooting off the bench. Meanwhile, the Kings as a team dropped 20 3-pointers on 48.8% shooting from deep.
The loss dropped Brooklyn to 6-9 at the time, while Sacramento improved to 7-6.
#3 Dallas Mavericks defeat Memphis Grizzlies 137-96 (41-point win) on Oct. 22
Earlier this season, on Oct. 22, 2022, the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies faced off in a battle between two projected Western Conference heavyweights. To the surprise of many, the Mavs destroyed the Grizzlies 137-96.
Dallas was led by superstar guard Luka Doncic, who put up 32 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists on 52.2% shooting. With the win, Dallas improved to 1-1 at the time, while Memphis fell to 2-1.
#2 OKC Thunder defeat Boston Celtics 150-117 (33-point win) on Jan. 3
As previously mentioned, the Boston Celtics suffered a shocking 150-117 loss to the OKC Thunder on Tuesday night.
The Thunder were without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the game, who was out due to an illness. However, multiple other players stepped up as OKC had five players score 20-or-more points in the win.
They were led by sophomore guard Josh Giddey with 25 points, followed by wing Luguentz Dort with 23. Meanwhile, Isaiah Joe, Tre Mann and Jalen Williams all added 21 points each for the Thunder.
With the win, OKC improved to 16-21. Meanwhile, Boston, still owners of the best record in the NBA, fell to 26-12.
Also read: Jaylen Brown reflects on Boston Celtics' embarrassing loss to OKC Thunder
#1 Memphis Grizzlies defeat Milwaukee Bucks 142-101 (41-point win) on Dec. 15
Finally, in another highly anticipated matchup between two elite teams, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 15, 2022. Many expected a hard-fought battle, but instead, the Grizzlies blew out the Bucks 142-101.
Memphis finished with eight players in double figures in the game, led by All-Star guard Ja Morant, who finished with a 25-point triple-double.
With the win, Memphis improved to 19-9 at the time, while Milwaukee fell to 20-8.