Thunder top Sixers 123-103

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 22 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to 12 games with a dominant 123-103 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.

The defending champions continued their league-best run, improving to 57-15 behind a balanced effort that never gave Philadelphia much of a chance.

Jalen Williams returned from a 16-game absence due to a hamstring strain and contributed 18 points, while Chet Holmgren added 17. Jaylin Williams provided a spark off the bench with 18 points.

All eyes were also on Jared McCain, who scored 13 points in his first game back in Philadelphia since being traded last month. The former first-round pick received a warm ovation from the home crowd and helped Oklahoma City get off to a fast start with a pair of early three-pointers.

The Thunder seized control early, building a 35-25 lead after one quarter before blowing the game open in the second. Oklahoma City carried a commanding 65-43 advantage into halftime and pushed the margin to as many as 24 in the second half, never allowing the 76ers to mount a serious comeback.

Philadelphia leaned on VJ Edgecombe, who poured in a game-high 35 points, but the team struggled without several key stars. The 76ers were missing Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George, leaving them undermanned against one of the league’s top teams.

Embiid, sidelined with a right oblique strain, has not played since Feb. 26, though he participated in on-court work Monday as he works toward a return. Maxey missed his ninth straight game, while George is expected back later this week following a suspension.

Despite the absences, Philadelphia entered the night in the thick of the Eastern Conference play-in race, but couldn’t keep pace with the surging Thunder.

Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander continued his remarkable consistency, extending his streak to 64 consecutive road games with at least 20 points.

Up Next: The Thunder travel to face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, while the 76ers return home to host the Chicago Bulls.