The Philadelphia 76ers are in a slump, and their latest defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder marks their third consecutive loss—but here’s where it gets controversial: could this be more than just a rough patch? On December 28, 2025, the Thunder dominated the court, securing a 129-104 victory and snapping their own two-game losing streak. Chet Holmgren stole the spotlight with an impressive 29 points and nine rebounds, showcasing why the Thunder are sitting comfortably atop the NBA standings with a 27-5 record. Holmgren’s efficiency was undeniable, sinking 12 of 17 shots, including two 3-pointers, while the team as a whole shot a remarkable 57% from the field.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his scoring streak, dropping 27 points, five assists, and two steals. His performance was so dominant that he sat out the entire fourth quarter, yet still extended his streak of 20+ point games to an astonishing 103. Jalen Williams chipped in with 14 points and six assists, further solidifying the Thunder’s all-around strength.
For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 28 points, while Quentin Grimes and Paul George added 13 and 12 points, respectively. George, a former Thunder star, received a warm welcome from the Oklahoma City crowd—a nod to his role in the 2019 trade that helped shape the Thunder’s championship-caliber roster. But here’s the part most people miss: Philadelphia’s 23 turnovers led to 31 Thunder points, a glaring weakness that may have cost them the game.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with the Thunder starting strong by making their first nine field goals. Maxey kept the 76ers competitive, scoring 23 points in the first half alone, including a clutch 3-pointer that gave Philadelphia a brief 61-59 lead. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s 13-footer with 36.2 seconds left in the second quarter reclaimed the lead for the Thunder, setting the stage for their third-quarter takeover.
The Thunder outscored the 76ers 38-24 in the third, pulling away with a 102-86 lead heading into the final quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 11 points in the third quarter were pivotal, but the real story was Philadelphia’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities. Without injured starter Joel Embiid, the 76ers struggled to find their rhythm, leaving fans wondering if this team can bounce back.
Is this the beginning of a downward spiral for Philadelphia, or just a temporary setback? The 76ers will look to rebound against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, while the Thunder host the Atlanta Hawks. One thing’s for sure: this season is far from over, and every game counts.
What do you think? Are the 76ers in trouble, or can they turn things around? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
