Edwards, who credits the Delaware Blue Coats for his recent success, couldn't be more appreciative of the opportunity "to put on for my family and friends and my hometown.”

Multiple members of the Philadelphia 76ers give their thoughts on the play of undrafted rookie Justin Edwards.

Kelly Oubre Jr. needs to score more, Justin Edwards' minutes Kelly Oubre Jr. must seize the moment. Justin Edwards deserves more minutes. And even though they were depleted, the Sixers have to do a better job of defending opposing guards.

The Sixers waved the white flag before the game even started. One by one, Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey were all ruled out. Despite that, the depleted Philly squad forced OKC to sweat out a close victory.

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.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 32 points on 12-of-15 shooting, nine assists and three rebounds. He shot 1-of-3 from 3 and went 7-of-8 on free throws. To start off, he hit on a career-best 10 straight shots. He was unconscious as every drive ended in a layup or a whistle.

The banged up version of the Philadelphia 76ers put up a great effort, but they fall short to the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

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.

Here are the three biggest takeaways for the Philadelphia 76ers following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

But Detroit (21-21) is ninth in the East this time around. Former Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham has a chance to earn an All-Star selection, and new additions such as Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. have added some much-needed 3-point shooting.

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.

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.