PHILADELPHIA — In a decisive matchup on Tuesday night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-102 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without three of their All-Stars. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 32 points, while teammate Jalen Williams contributed 24 points to the win.

The 76ers played without key players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George due to injuries, contributing to their recent struggles in the Eastern Conference. As a result, the team has been unable to secure consistent wins, marking their third consecutive loss and sixth in their last eight games. With a record of 15-23, the Sixers find themselves closer to a spot in the draft lottery rather than competing for the postseason. Embiid has missed 25 games this season and has participated in only 13, with the team struggling significantly in his absence, boasting a record of 7-6 when he plays compared to 8-17 without him.

The Thunder asserted their dominance early in the game, jumping out to a substantial 21-point lead and showcasing their impressive form with 18 victories in their last 19 outings. Gilgeous-Alexander, who entered the game sharing the NBA scoring lead at 31.4 points per game, surpassed his average with two late free throws in the fourth quarter. In addition, Isaiah Hartenstein made his mark with a solid performance of nine points and 16 rebounds.

Despite the setbacks, Justin Edwards led the 76ers with 25 points and Jeff Dowtin Jr. added 18 points to the scoreboard. The key moment in the game came when Philadelphia closed the gap to 91-87 in the fourth quarter, only for Williams to respond with a critical three-pointer during an 8-0 run that effectively sealed the game for Oklahoma City.

In terms of shooting efficiency, the Thunder started off strong, hitting 70% of their shots (14 for 20) in the first quarter and maintaining their lead throughout the matchup.

Looking ahead, the Thunder are set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, a rematch following a previous encounter where the Cavaliers defeated Oklahoma City 129-122, ending the Thunder’s remarkable 15-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the 76ers will face the New York Knicks on Wednesday as they seek to turn their fortune around.