Heading into their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, not many expected the Philadelphia 76ers to leave Paycom Center as victors. A sprained right ankle sidelined Joel Embiid 24 hours before tipoff and it took the Thunder just three quarters to prove their superiority. But, Philadelphia can build on first-half silver linings that delayed its inevitable downfall.
After a frustrating two-game stretch, Tyrese Maxey was the 76ers’ (16-14) leading scorer in their 129-104 loss to the Thunder (27-5) on Sunday evening. Philadelphia also received solid bench production from its sophomores in Justin Edwards, Adem Bona and Jared McCain amidst their struggles this year. The 76ers can use these developments as they aim to snap their now three-game losing streak.
Before this afternoon, Maxey was out of rhythm, shooting 31.6% from the field in his last two contests. Many pointed to Embiid’s presence as the cause of the guard’s struggles. While that stance is polarizing, Maxey did Embiid defenders no favors today, posting 28 points on 66.4% true shooting and five assists.
He began with more urgency, exploiting Oklahoma City’s defense off the dribble and attacking closeouts to puncture the paint. Maxey started slowly in his last two outings, which seemingly set the tone for him. Today was the same case, except in the opposite fashion. The one-time all-star created rhythm using his improved perimeter defense, accumulating four steals. His forcing turnovers off passing-lane reads gave Philadelphia a boost that lasted two quarters.
It also led to a bench reconnaissance.
The 76ers totaled a mere 12 bench points in their 109-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday. With four minutes remaining in the first half, Philadelphia surpassed that amount, as its second-year players exerted most of the heavy lifting. Edwards, Bona and McCain finished with 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Edwards entered and executed his one job to perfection: burying spot-up three-pointers. He shot 4-7 from beyond the arc, including an awing self-created triple in Jalen Williams’ face. Bona provided the 76ers with an electric two-way boost, looking every bit the rim-running, shot-blocker fans envisioned him to be. What’s more, he had just three personal fouls. Today was one of McCain’s better performances from a decision-making lens, implementing a strong diet consisting of pick-and-roll drives and spot-up threes.
Then, the third quarter happened.
As is often the case this season, the Thunder outscored Philadelphia by 14 in the third period, which was the game’s shifting point. Oklahoma City seemed relaxed in the first half, but promptly increased its edge on both ends of the court exiting the locker room. It created easy offense using turnovers and had no issue putting together paint touches. The Thunder posted 38 more points in the paint and 17 more off turnovers than the 76ers.
Interpreting Philadelphia’s loss at face value is a fruitless task, as it had slim chances of victory in the first place. Although the result is frustrating, silver linings matter in nearly predetermined games such as these. The 76ers fought for two quarters, holding just a two-point halftime deficit, then the talent disparity began to show. Philadelphia must build on Maxey and the reserve’s redemption if it hopes to break its longest losing skid of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies (15-16) on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST.