Edwards, who credits the Delaware Blue Coats for his recent success, couldn't be more appreciative of the opportunity "to put on for my family and friends and my hometown.”

Multiple members of the Philadelphia 76ers give their thoughts on the play of undrafted rookie Justin Edwards.

The Sixers waved the white flag before the game even started. One by one, Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey were all ruled out. Despite that, the depleted Philly squad forced OKC to sweat out a close victory.

The banged up version of the Philadelphia 76ers put up a great effort, but they fall short to the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

Despite most — this beat writer included — assuming that the Sixers would have their doors blown off by the NBA's best team defense and individual scorer, the nine players donning red, white and blue played with absolutely no expectation that they were going to be on the wrong end of a blowout.

The severely shorthanded Sixers fell to a 118-102 loss Tuesday night to the Western Conference-leading Thunder.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and Jalen Williams had 24 to lead the Oklahoma ... Justin Edwards led the 76ers with 25 points, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 18. Thunder ...

While the Sixers are, obviously, not where they expected to be at this point in the season, the injuries have opened the door for undrafted rookie Justin Edwards to get an opportunity.

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.

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.