PHILADELPHIA — — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 factors, Jalen Williams added 18 in his return to the lineup and the Oklahoma City Thunder received their twelfth sport in a row Monday evening with a 123-103 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers.
Jared McCain had 13 factors for the Thunder in his first sport in Philadelphia since final month’s commerce. The defending NBA champions improved to 57-15, the perfect report within the league.
VJ Edgecombe scored 35 factors for the 76ers, who performed with out Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Philadelphia started the day because the No. 7 seed within the Eastern Conference play-in event however was only a half-game again of fifth-place Toronto.
Williams was back in the lineup after lacking 16 video games with a proper hamstring pressure.
McCain helped the Thunder leap out to a 35-25 lead after the primary quarter with a pair of 3-pointers. Oklahoma City elevated its result in 24 and by no means was threatened after taking a 65-43 lead into halftime.
Jaylin Williams scored 18 factors off the bench, and Chet Holmgren had 17 for the Thunder.
McCain, drafted by the 76ers with the No. 16 total decide final yr, drew loud cheers when he entered within the first quarter. Philadelphia despatched McCain to Oklahoma City for draft picks on the February commerce deadline. The 76ers are 10-12 because the deal.
Embiid sat out once more with a proper indirect pressure. The 2023 MVP final performed on Feb. 26. He labored out on the courtroom Monday and is scheduled to have a extra grueling session Tuesday, coach Nick Nurse mentioned. There continues to be no timetable for Embiid’s return.
The 76ers are anticipated to welcome again George to the lineup for Wednesday’s dwelling sport in opposition to Chicago. George was suspended 25 video games for violating the league’s drug coverage.
Maxey was sidelined for the ninth consecutive sport with a proper finger tendon pressure. Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow sprain) has missed seven straight, and Quentin Grimes (sickness) additionally did not play.
Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell additionally watched whereas serving a one-game suspension for combating in Saturday’s 132-111 win at Washington. Jaylin Williams and Cason Wallace every had been fined for his or her function within the battle, $50,000 and $35,000, respectively.
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at the very least 20 factors in 64 straight street video games.
Thunder: At Boston on Wednesday.
76ers: Host Chicago on Wednesday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
