The Oklahoma City Thunder put a difficult week behind them and returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 129-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in a game played at the Paycom Center. The win allowed Oklahoma City to shake off the weight of two consecutive losses to the San Antonio Spurs, something that had not happened so far this season.
With this result, the Thunder improved their record to 27-5, consolidating their position as the best team in the Western Conference and the entire NBA, despite the recent setback that had generated momentary doubts.
Thunder crush 76ers
Set the tone after the break 🔥
38 3rd quarter points 🎥 pic.twitter.com/63hSxJPpLt
– OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 29, 2025
The start of the game was much closer than the final score suggests.
During the first half, the Thunder and the 76ers played a very balanced duel, with up to 12 ties on the scoreboard and constant lead changes.
Philadelphia (16-14) even took the lead in several passages of the first half, taking advantage of Oklahoma City’s defensive inaccuracies and recalling the problems shown by the Thunder in their recent clashes against San Antonio.
The atmosphere at the Paycom Center reflected a certain caution, with the ghosts of recent defeats still present on the court.
Oklahoma City speeds up after halftime
– OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 28, 2025
Everything changed after halftime. Oklahoma City adjusted its defense, increased its intensity and began to impose its offensive rhythm.
Starting in the third quarter, the Thunder stepped on the gas and took a lead that the 76ers could no longer cut.
The combination of speed, ball circulation and physical dominance in the paint ended up tilting the game definitively to the local side, which closed the game with a 25-point difference.
The main protagonist of the night was Chet Holmgren, who signed a complete performance with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks, being determinant on both sides of the court.
His defensive presence was key to stopping Philadelphia’s attempts at a comeback.
On his side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again fulfilled his leadership role by scoring 27 points and 5 assists, managing the tempo of the game and punishing every defensive mismatch of the visitors.
The collective contribution was also key: Aaron Wiggins scored 15 points, Jalen Williams chipped in with 14 and Ajay Mitchell added 13, reflecting the depth of Oklahoma City’s roster.
Maxey, Philadelphia’s highlight
For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey was the most productive player, with 28 points, 5 assists and 4 steals, trying to hold his team in difficult moments.
However, their effort was not enough in the face of the Thunder’s intensity and collective play in the second half.
Despite two consecutive losses to the Spurs – one in San Antonio and the other at home on Christmas Day – the Thunder proved that they are still the most solid team in the league.
The victory over Philadelphia not only improves their record, but also reinforces their status as reigning champions and top contenders in the West.
For Hispanic fans in the United States, Oklahoma City continues to be one of the most attractive teams because of its dynamic style, youth and ability to react in the face of adversity, factors that keep them at the top of the NBA at the end of the year.
Filed under: Thunder crush the 76ers
