Doc Rivers calls out Sixers for poor defensive effort in loss to Thunder
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to pick up another win at home before heading out on the road as they played host to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
The Sixers were on a two-game winning streak and were looking to build off that, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 37 points to lead the Thunder past the Sixers on the road 133-114. Oklahoma City shot 51.2% from the floor and they made 14 triples while also shooting 31-for-33 from the foul line.
“Blow bys,” said coach Doc Rivers. “They lived in the paint. They got whatever they wanted. They came with the right spirit and we didn’t.”
The Thunder had 52 points in the paint as Gilgeous-Alexander was constantly getting into the paint and forcing the Sixers to collapse which set up easy points for others out on the floor.
“We didn’t compete defensively like we normally have,” added Tyrese Maxey. “It shows in the score.”
The Sixers were in foul trouble all night as the Thunder were constantly giving them trouble. Joel Embiid had five fouls, Tyrese Maxey had four fouls, and James Harden had three.
“I thought a lot of the fouls were because we were not down, we were not ready, we were not in position,” Rivers continued. “This was just a bad effort on our team. We all, me, everybody. We have to take responsibility and be better next game.”
The Sixers will now head out West for five games beginning on Saturday against the Utah Jazz.
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