Sixers Take Care of Wizards, Move to 31-21
Feb 10, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia snapped their 4-game losing skid in Washington on Saturday Night, winning 119-113 against Washington. The Sixers were falling off ever since Joel Embiid‘s injury, but finally, they were able to get back in the win column.
The Sixers, who were running on only an 8-man rotation, were led by Tyrese Maxey‘s 28 points, 7 assists, and 9 defensive rebounds. Maxey has been inconsistent lately, but Saturday Night’s game was a step back in the right direction. Philadelphia was also led by undrafted rookie Ricky Council IV, who had a career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds. Council recorded his first-ever NBA double-double and is showing real promise to have a real role in the Philadelphia rotation.
Washington’s stars in Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole were held to 32 points combined – a low number for 2 players known for their scoring. Philadelphia’s defense showed out in this game, and this stat proves that. Not having Joel Embiid and still being able to cause the opposing offense to slow down and miss shots and have turnovers is exactly what Philly needs to stay competitive. If they can continue to stay at this level of defensive dominance, the Sixers will still be among the best teams in the NBA.
The Sixers take a one-day break and head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Monday. It will be a tough matchup as Nick Nurse will have to find someone with the size that can guard Evan Mobley.
