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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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 ...