The Oklahoma City Thunder put on a show in Philadelphia, defeating the 76ers 118-102 on Tuesday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 32 points, while Jalen Williams added 24 in a commanding performance.
This win marks another milestone for the Thunder, who have now won 18 of their last 19 games.
It was a tough night for the 76ers, who were missing key players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.
Without their stars, Philly struggled to keep up and extended their losing streak to three games.
Thunder’s Early Dominance
The Thunder came out strong, shooting an impressive 70% from the field in the first quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable, scoring 14 points in the opening frame and hitting his first nine shots.
OKC built a 21-point lead early, but turnovers in the second and third quarters allowed the 76ers to creep back into the game.
Despite coughing up the ball 12 times in the first half, the Thunder never lost control.
By the fourth quarter, they tightened their grip and showcased why they are one of the NBA’s top teams this season.
Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace Shine
Jalen Williams was instrumental in sealing the victory. He scored seven of his 24 points in the final quarter, redeeming himself after a shaky second quarter.
Cason Wallace also stepped up, scoring a season-high 18 points, 11 of them in the fourth quarter.
Wallace’s defensive contributions were equally impressive. Known for his tough assignments and ability to frustrate opposing guards, he played a key role in shutting down Philly’s late-game surge.
“Just being a hooper,” Wallace said about his performance. “You have slumps, but staying persistent always pays off.”
76ers Struggle Without Their Stars
For the 76ers, the absence of Embiid, Maxey, and George was glaring. Justin Edwards led the team with 25 points, while Jeff Dowtin Jr. added 18.
However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome OKC’s relentless attack.
The 76ers have now lost six of their last eight games and sit at 15-23 on the season.
Their struggles without Embiid are evident, with a record of just 8-17 in his absence.
Key Moment
The game’s decisive moment came in the fourth quarter when the 76ers cut the Thunder’s lead to 91-87.
Jalen Williams answered with a clutch three-pointer, sparking an 8-0 run that put the game out of reach for Philadelphia.
What’s Next?
The Thunder now turn their attention to Thursday’s rematch against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a clash between the top teams in each conference.
The Cavaliers ended OKC’s 15-game winning streak last week, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Meanwhile, the 76ers will host the New York Knicks on Wednesday as they attempt to snap their losing streak and find some rhythm despite their depleted roster.
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