In a theme that has become all too common this season, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves vastly shorthanded in their game against the OKC Thunder Tuesday.

Edwards, 21, often keeps his responses short and sweet. But after nearly swinging a nationally-televised playoff rematch against the New York Knicks in the Sixers' direction on Wednesday night, he provided a telling glimpse into his mental journey over the last few months.

The Sixers trailed by 21 points after the first 9:30 of “action,” by 16 after one quarter and watched the Thunder hit 13 of their first 15 shots from the field. A very MVP-like 32 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 24 from Jaylin Williams eventually asserted the Thunder’s obvious superiority.

As a Kentucky who has followed his career since his high school recruitment, it is hard not to look at 7-foot, 245-pound Nick Richards like a proud parent. It took a few years for his potential to flourish at Kentucky,

With just nine active players Tuesday night, the Sixers lost their third straight game and have lost six of their last eight. Two-way player Justin Edwards led the Sixers with 25 points.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and Jalen Williams had ... of teams with the best records in each conference. With the stars out, Justin Edwards led the 76ers with 25 points, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 18. Takeaways Thunder ...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points on 12-of-15 shooting to guide the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-102 win over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and Jalen ... With the stars out, Justin Edwards led the 76ers with 25 points, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 18. Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander ...

A very MVP-like 32 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 24 from Jaylin Williams ... saw the Thunder to their 33rd win in 39 outings. Justin Edwards led the Sixers with 25 points.

Despite most — this beat writer included — assuming that the Sixers would have their doors blown off by the NBA's best team defense and individual scorer, the nine players donning red, white and blue played with absolutely no expectation that they were going to be on the wrong end of a blowout.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and Jalen Williams had 24 to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-102 win over a Philadelphia 76ers team missing three All-Stars on Tuesday night. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George sat out with injuries as the Sixers continued their slide down the Eastern Conference standings.

After bouncing around the league, former OKC Thunder guard Ty Jerome is enjoying a breakout season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.