Undermanned 76ers fend off Wizards, snap skid

Field Level Media|published: Sat 10th February, 21:49 2024

Feb 10, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Cameron Payne (22) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Buddy Hield added 23 as the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers snapped a four-game losing streak, beating the host Washington Wizards 119-113 on Saturday.

Ricky Council IV recorded career highs with 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Philadelphia, which led by as many as 15 in the third quarter and completed a four-game sweep of the season series with the Wizards. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 16 points, Paul Reed scored 12 and Tobias Harris added 11.

Tyus Jones had a career-high six 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 25 points for Washington, which lost its sixth straight. Deni Avdija had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Kyle Kuzma also scored 21 points, Bilal Coulibaly added 13 and Jordan Poole finished with 11.

The Wizards rallied in the fourth quarter and pulled within 100-98 with 6:05 to go after Corey Kispert's 3-pointer capped an 11-2 run.

Philadelphia maintained its lead and held a 115-109 advantage after Council scored with 45.9 seconds remaining. Coulibaly made two foul shots before the Sixers scored the next four points to secure the victory.

Philadelphia played without reigning MVP Joel Embiid (meniscus procedure), Nicolas Batum (left hamstring strain), De'Anthony Melton (lumbar spine stress response), Mo Bamba (right knee soreness) and Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise).

Maxey returned after missing one game due to illness and was held scoreless in the opening quarter. The Sixers took a 33-26 lead after closing the period on a 19-7 run.

Philadelphia extended its lead to 12 early in the second quarter before Washington pulled within 59-56 at the break. Jones scored 15 points on five 3-pointers to lead the Wizards, while Oubre had 12 points for the Sixers.

Hield scored seven points during a 16-5 run to help give Philadelphia an 86-71 advantage late in the third quarter.

The Sixers outscored Washington 74-54 in the paint despite missing Embiid, who had surgery on his left knee on Tuesday.

Wizards center Marvin Bagley III returned after missing four games due to a back injury and scored two points on 1-of-7 shooting.

—Field Level Media

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