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.

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 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.

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.

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 ...

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 Thunder is now tied with the Cavaliers for the best record in the NBA. Dallas (22-19) suffered a 119-116 road loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. The Mavericks will be without star guard Luka Doncic (left calf strain).