NBA: 76ers' stars shine simultaneously in win over Wizards

Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey each scored more than 20 points for the first time in a season and a half together, guiding the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131-110 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

Embiid finished with 28 points, George added 23, and Maxey contributed 22, leading seven players in double figures for Philadelphia. The Sixers used a 16-0 run spanning the final two quarters to secure their fourth win in five games. VJ Edgecombe also made a significant impact, posting 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals.

Philadelphia welcomed back Kelly Oubre (knee) and Trendon Watford (adductor), both returning from long absences since November. Oubre logged two points in 20 minutes, while Watford contributed three assists during a brief four-minute stint.

For Washington, Tre Johnson scored 20 points, and Bub Carrington made five 3-pointers in an 18-point performance. The Wizards, who had won five of their previous seven games, played without CJ McCollum (quad) and Kyshawn George (hip), among others.

Philadelphia led 87-80 late in the third quarter before Dominick Barlow's layup and Edgecombe's 3-pointer extended the margin to 12 heading into the fourth. The Sixers then opened the final frame with an 11-0 run, with Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes each contributing four points. After that, Washington never seriously threatened.

Maxey made four 3-pointers as part of a 16-point first quarter, helping Philadelphia lead by as many as 13 points before settling for a 37-30 advantage after 12 minutes.

Early in the second quarter, AJ Johnson’s layup capped a 19-5 run by Washington, giving the visitors a one-point lead. The Wizards held the edge for several minutes before the Sixers regained control late in the session, entering halftime with a 62-56 lead.

George scored 13 points in the second quarter, giving him 18 points by halftime, while Maxey led all players with 20 first-half points. Embiid had 16 at the break.

In the third quarter, Embiid scored eight points in the first three minutes, helping Philadelphia extend its lead to 72-60. Washington narrowed the gap to 87-80 on Carrington’s 3-pointer with 3:35 remaining in the period before the Sixers went on their game-clinching run.

—Field Level Media/Reuters