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,

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.

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 ... With the stars out, Justin Edwards led the 76ers with 25 points, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 18. Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander ...

Edwards, a Philadelphia native who had a ... The wheels understandably fell off soon after. MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put his foot down, and the Thunder pulled away.

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 on Tuesday night.

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.

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,

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Guerschon Yabusele, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)