The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the nine-man Philadelphia 76ers 118-102 Tuesday night, securing three straight road wins. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 32 poi

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 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.

With just nine active players Tuesday night, the Sixers lost their third straight game and have lost six of their last eight. Two-way player Justin Edwards led the Sixers with 25 points.

Here are the three biggest takeaways for the Philadelphia 76ers following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

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 ...

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

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.

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.