Bold takeaway: The 76ers dominated the Wizards to snap a slide and showcase a sharper, more explosive offense, led by a scorching third quarter. And this is the part most people miss: Philadelphia’s momentum in the second half was the separator, turning a close game into a comfortable win.
PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey poured in 20 of his 35 points in the third period, while Andre Drummond added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards 121-102 on Tuesday night.
Maxey, coming off a 44-point performance, finished 13 of 26 from the floor and extended his streak of 20-point games to 20 straight this season. He also contributed six assists and four steals across 29 minutes before sitting in the fourth quarter.
The Sixers carried a 66-54 halftime lead, but Washington opened the third by scoring the first seven points to cut the deficit. Philadelphia answered with an 11-2 burst, reclaiming a double-digit advantage at 77-63.
Maxey’s 20 points in the third helped push Philadelphia ahead, as the Wizards managed just 23 points on 7-for-22 shooting in the frame. Maxey did not play in the fourth quarter.
A late third-quarter free throw by Maxey gave Philadelphia 100 points with 32.1 seconds remaining in the period, and the 76ers stretched the margin to 115-79 early in the fourth with a 14-2 run.
Washington fell to 1-11 on the road this season.
Jared McCain added 14 points for Philadelphia, while reserve Jabari Walker posted 10 points and 12 rebounds. Paul George contributed 11 for Washington.
Washington’s lineup produced seven players in double figures, led by Tristan Vukcevic with 16 points. Marvin Bagley III, Justin Champagnie, and Will Riley each scored 13.
Maxey finished with 35 points (including 15 by halftime), McCain had 11 by intermission, and Philadelphia shot 9-for-21 from three-point range while holding a 38% team shooting mark through the first 24 minutes.
Philadelphia was without Quentin Grimes, who averages 17 points per game and was sidelined for the first time this season.
Up next
Wizards: Host the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Sixers: Welcome the Golden State Warriors for a Thursday matchup.
Source: AP NBA recap and box score summaries.
