PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Monday to play host to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder looking to remain in the win column and continue climbing back into the top 6 in the East. The challenge was going to be tough with so many players sidelined, but Philadelphia has been a scrappy bunch through all of the adversity.
With that being said, it wouldn’t matter much against OKC. The Thunder took control of this game early and held off any run these short-handed Sixers tried to make as they walked away with the 123-103 win. Former Sixers guard Jared McCain made his return to Philadelphia and had 13 points off the bench for the Thunder while reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 22 points for OKC.
The Sixers were led by VJ Edgecombe with 35 points and six rebounds while Trendon Watford had 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists. MarJon Beauchamp had 13 points and six rebounds while Cam Payne had 10 points and six assists.
Here are the player grades following the loss:
VJ Edgecombe: A-minus
Somebody had to take the shots. Edgecombe was aggressive with his offense early as shown by the 10 shots he took in the first quarter against this aggressive Thunder defense. It wasn’t the most efficient night for the No. 3 pick of the draft, but Edgecombe gave the Sixers the offensive engine they needed in this one. He knocked down some tough shots in this one as he received a lot of attention from OKC’s vaunted defense. He got going with the 3-ball in the second half as he was able to give the Sixers the offense they needed in this one. He was very good despite having to battle through a lot of defensive attention. He kept the Sixers in this game with the offense he provided.
MarJon Beauchamp: C
Receiving an opportunity to start in this one, Beauchamp knocked down a triple in the early going, but he wasn’t able to do much else after that. It was a tough night for him in terms of finding that consistent offensive rhythm needed to contend with a team like the Thunder. By the time he was able to find a groove, Oklahoma City had already built a big lead and it was too late by that point.
Justin Edwards: C-minus
The Philadelphia native knocked down a triple early, but then had three turnovers and had some struggles defensively as Oklahoma City built its lead. The Sixers needed some perimeter shooting in this one to keep up with the Thunder, but Edwards was just unable to provide it. Overall, one can chalk it up to another learning experience for the young wing player.
Dominick Barlow: D
It was an adventure for Barlow to start the night. The energetic big man had his struggles defensively as the Thunder found success in the paint. He also had a pass bounce off his face and he also let a pass slip through his fingers and out of bounds for a turnover. He did help on the glass, so the Sixers will take that in a matchup like this one.
Adem Bona: C-minus
Give Bona credit. The big man played with energy. The Thunder were just too much for him to handle. The second-year man out of UCLA had a tough time finding any rebounds or making the usual impact he has on defense and it led to a tough night.
Trendon Watford: B
The versatile forward had a nice night in this one. He was aggressive going to the basket and forced the issue against a Thunder team that plays airtight defense out on the floor. Watford had some impressive finishes in the paint from floaters to rim attacks. He also gave the Sixers some help in terms of rebounding the basketball and being able to make plays for others. The defensive end was a struggle for him, but Watford was able to get things moving for Philadelphia on offense.
Cam Payne: C-plus
Payne hopped off the bench and immediately contributed as he had a bucket in the paint followed by him knocking down an open 3-pointer. The Sixers needed somebody to help the scoreboard move in this one and Payne helped in that respect.
Andre Drummond: C-plus
The initial stint was a tough one for Drummond. He wasn’t able to do much on the glass as the Thunder were just too much in that aspect of the game. He also was on the wrong end of McCain’s first 3-pointer when the former Sixer drifted into the corner and drilled one while falling out of bounds and over Drummond’s outstretched hand. In the second half, Drummond was able to knock down a couple of 3s and was a presence in the paint.
Dalen Terry: C
It was a mixed bag for Terry in this one. He deserves credit for being able to give the Sixers a spark of energy and allowing them to get out and run, but he also had some miscues and missed an open look from beyond the arc. He also deserves credit for his ability to make plays in the paint, but he needs to start knocking down 3s.
Jabari Walker: B-minus
The Sixers turned to Walker in the third quarter and he gave the Sixers a spark. He was active on the defensive end while also being helpful on the glass and being in the right spots on either of the floor. Philadelphia needed some production from him in this one and he gave a lift.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Short-handed Sixers fall to defending champion Thunder
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