Oklahoma City Thunder Dominates Philadelphia 76ers, 129-104
It was a night of redemption and resounding victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder as they crushed the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 129-104 on December 28, 2025. After a two-game losing streak, the Thunder came out with a vengeance, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive grit.
Leading the charge was Chet Holmgren, who was on fire with 29 points and 9 rebounds. His impressive performance included making 12 of 17 shots, with 2 of 4 from beyond the arc. The Thunder's overall shooting efficiency was remarkable, hitting 50 of 87 shots, translating to a staggering 57% field goal percentage. This level of accuracy proved too much for the 76ers to handle.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was another standout, contributing 27 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Jalen Williams added 14 points and 6 assists, further solidifying the Thunder's dominance. Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring streak continued, as he scored at least 20 points for the 103rd consecutive game, a testament to his consistency and skill. He was incredibly efficient, making 10 of 13 field goals and 7 of 9 free throws before sitting out the fourth quarter.
But here's where it gets controversial... The 76ers, without their injured star Joel Embiid, struggled to keep pace. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, while Quentin Grimes added 13, and former Oklahoma City star Paul George chipped in with 12. The 76ers' woes were compounded by 23 turnovers, which the Thunder capitalized on, scoring 31 points off those mistakes.
Adding a layer of sentimentality, Paul George received a warm welcome from the Oklahoma City crowd. His trade to the Clippers in 2019 played a pivotal role in shaping the Thunder, as they acquired Gilgeous-Alexander and later, Jalen Williams, in the deal.
And this is the part most people miss... The game's turning point came in the third quarter, where Oklahoma City outscored Philadelphia 38-24, establishing a commanding 102-86 lead heading into the final period. Gilgeous-Alexander's 11 points in that crucial third quarter were instrumental in the Thunder's surge.
What do you think? Did the absence of Joel Embiid significantly impact the 76ers' performance? Was the warm reception for Paul George a sign of respect or a reminder of what could have been? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Up Next:
- 76ers: At the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
- Thunder: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
