OKLAHOMA CITY _ The Philadelphia 76ers were a team taking advantage of undermanned squads in recent weeks.
They beat the Kyrie Irving-less Boston Celtics and Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks. The Sixers also toppled a Chicago Bulls squad that was without rising star Kris Dunn. And they destroyed a San Antonio Spurs team minus Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili and Rudy Gay.
On Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder became the Sixers' sixth-straight undermanned opponent. However, it was offensively challenged role player Andre Roberson who sat out and not reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, Paul George or Carmelo Anthony.
The trio combined for 84 points in a 122-112 victory over the Sixers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Westbrook, George and inopportune turnovers really doomed the Sixers.
Westbrook had a game-high 37 points on 14-of-33 shooting. The point guard also finished with a game-high 14 assists and nine rebounds. George added 31 points while making 4 of 9 3-pointers. Anthony contributed 16 points.
The Sixers (24-22) had 18 turnovers as their two-game winning streak came to an end. The Thunder (30-20) extended their winning streak to eight games.
Joel Embiid paced the Sixers with 27 points and 10 rebounds to go with two blocked shots. Ben Simmons added 22 points and seven assists.
This game was exciting from the start.
The teams literally exchanged dunks and 3-point baskets on ensuing possessions in the first half. That led to eight lead changes and four ties before the Sixers went into the locker room up 58-57.
The Sixers had a 79-74 lead after Simmons' driving floater with 5 minutes, 31 seconds left in the third quarter.
However, they missed their next two shots and committed five turnovers during a key stretch. Taking advantage, OKC went on a 15-0 run to take an 89-79 advantage with 2:06 left in the quarter.
Showing fight, the Sixers battled back and eventually knotted the score at 101 on Simmons driving dunk with 6:18 left. However, the Thunder went on to outscore the Sixers, 21-11, the rest of the way.
Sixers reserve Trevor Booker went to the locker room in the third quarter with discomfort in his right knee. He returned the bench but did not go back into the game.
Roberson suffered a season-ending left patellar tendon injury on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons.
