Monday night was a bit of a homecoming for some players on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their game against the Philadelphia 76ers marked second-year guard Jared McCann's first game in Philly, returning after being involved in a trade prior to the trade deadline. The game was also important for Isaiah Joe, who spent time with the 76ers prior to his stint in Oklahoma City.
McCann and Joe both played brilliantly off the bench for the Thunder. McCann scored 13 points on 5-11 shooting from the field (with three triples) and two assists, while Joe had nine points on 3-7 shooting from deep, with two assists and two steals. The performances of both players caught the attention of head coach Mark Dagenault, who praised the two 76ers alumni for "staying in character" against his former team.
"It was impressive," Dagenault said, according to Justin Martinez at X.
The Thunder won easily against the 76ers, 123–103. It was a balanced effort from Oklahoma City: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 points to lead her team and added five rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks. Seven players scored in double figures for the Thunder, including McCann and Jalen Williams. Williams, who returned to the lineup after a long absence, had four rebounds and six assists among his 18 points.
For McCann, this game marks facing his former team for the first time since the trade deadline. McCann was drafted by the 76ers in 2024 and had a great start to his rookie season. However, he suffered a torn meniscus early in his rookie season, causing him to miss the majority of his rookie year. After missing the start of the season with a torn UCL, the 76ers traded him to the Thunder at the deadline.
In 19 games for the Thunder this season, McCann is averaging 12.3 points per game on 46.9% shooting from the field and 44% shooting from deep. He is looking to win his first NBA title with the defending champions.
