By ,
Published November 20, 2014
The Oklahoma City Thunder try to follow up a terrific first Star Game slate against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Thunder won their final five games before the break and lead the Western Conference and are currently tied with the Miami Heat for the top overall mark in the NBA at 27-7.
Kevin Durant has been a big part of that success, as the 23-year-old All-Star is averaging 27.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
"We've just started to jell - young guys that love playing basketball, that���s all that we do. It makes it easier to come to work every day," said Durant, who scored 36 points and was named the All-Star Game MVP on Sunday. "I'm just blessed I'm a part of this organization. Everybody is just Grade A, and I'm glad we're getting better as a group."
The Thunder, who have won seven of eight, start their second half of the schedule with a three-game road trip. Following tonight's tilt, OKC will make stops in Orlando and Atlanta. The Thunder are 12-6 away from home this season.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, snapped a five-game skid on Tuesday, as Thaddeus Young had 20 points and eight rebounds to lead the 76ers to an easy 97-68 win over the Detroit Pistons.
Lou Williams added 13 points and seven assists for the Sixers, who won for only the third time in their last 10 games.
"Any time Thad starts getting back, spinning and fading away, we know he has fresh legs," said Williams. "He had the most energy out of everybody tonight."
Philadelphia coach Doug Collins left during the fourth quarter due to flu-like symptoms. Andre Iguodala and Jodie Meeks had 12 points apiece and Elton Brand returned from a two-game absence with 10 points, three assists and three blocks.
"I think I got dehydrated," said Collins. "I got a little light-headed, I felt like I was getting that flu feeling," said Collins. "It's all good."
The Sixers will host Golden State and Chicago after tonight and are 13-6 in their building this season. However, they have dropped their last three at home.
Staying in the win column tonight may also prove to be difficult, as Philadelphia has lost five straight to Oklahoma City.
"Oklahoma City didn't play tonight?" Collins asked. "Yeah, that's just what we want, a rested Oak City. [Kevin] Durant's probably got his MVP trophy right there by his bed watching our game tonight."
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/thunder-in-the-forecast-for-philly