The Thunder extended their lead to as much as 13 in the 3rd but Spencer Hawes helped Philly rattle off 9 unanswered points 6 minutes into the 2nd half to cut their deficit to only 4 (69-65). Unfortunately, they could not tie it up as the Thunder would re-build their double-digit lead by the end of the period. Kevin Durant completed his triple double, picking up his 10th assist, in the final quarter of play. A three-pointer from James Anderson brought the Sixers within 9 in the final 3 minutes. However, Philly would only hit 1 more shot in the game, continuing to struggle against the solid OKC defense. The 76ers dropped their 3rd straight home game, 103-91.
Not a single Sixer had a stand-out game, yet they managed to not get blown out by one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA. Anderson led the team with 19 points but only hit 1 of 7 from downtown. Thad Young put up extremely impressive defensive stats, finishing with 8 steals and 10 rebounds (only 4 defensive). Young scored 13 points on a not-so-impressive 5 of 17 FG. Turner scored 15 points and handed out 6 assists while Hawes added 14 points. The Sixers shot an ugly 37.8% but had 19 offensive rebounds, giving them plenty of second chance shots.
Despite missing Friday's game, Kevin Durant had a huge impact for OKC. Durant came into the contest on an absolute tear offensively and this performance made it 10 straight games with 30+ points, as he finished with 32. KD grabbed 14 boards and helped with 10 assists as the Sixers allowed their second straight triple-double. Lowry ended with 18 points, 13 assists, and rebounds in Philly on Friday. Serge Ibaka also had a huge impact, ending with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots. Sefolosha added 11 points and Collison has 12 off the bench.
The Sixers will play the surprising Phoenix Suns(24-18) on Monday. Philly lost in Phoenix 115-101 in late December.
By: Matt Ryan