Sixers discuss struggles defending Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to pick up a win over a young Oklahoma City Thunder team before heading out on the road for five games. The Sixers had handled business in a professional manner against the Detroit Pistons and now needed another one against the Thunder.

It didn’t happen. Philadelphia was porous on the defensive end of the floor and they struggled with Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The slippery guard had 37 points, eight rebounds, and six assists as the Thunder walked away with a 133-114 win over the Sixers.

“He’s tall,” said Tyrese Maxey who had a tough time with him to start the game. “He’s talented and he’s able to draw fouls really well. So he’s a tough guard for anybody.”

When asked if there was anything they could have done differently, coach Doc Rivers was at a loss for ideas.

“I guess double team,” said Rivers. “Of course, there’s always something different after the game. We did double-team him and he scored or made the right decision. We tried to deny, he back-cut us four times, literally everything we did, he took advantage of. I think a lot of that is on us and how we approached the game.”

The way Gilgeous-Alexander plays is a bit different than any other star. He has a different speed than others when he has the ball out on the floor and Philadelphia just couldn’t find a way to corral him.

The Thunder star victimized Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Matisse Thybulle, and whoever was in front of him. They just couldn’t figure it out.

“He’s just an elusive player,” Thybulle said of SGA. “He plays at a different pace and a different cadence and if you’re not playing the scout, then he can really take advantage of your mistakes.”

The Sixers will now head out on the road for five games beginning with the Utah Jazz on Saturday.