76ers blow lead, but bounce back and push past Wizards
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 6: Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks a shot during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 6, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Sixers pushed past the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night in a hard-fought 109-103 victory. Despite both Joel Embiid and Paul George being out with injuries for this game, Philadelphia was able to pull it out.
Philadelphia advances to 15-20 and has won two of their last three, while Washington falls to an embarrassing 6-29 on the year and has lost eight of their last ten. The Sixers continue to struggle to get out of the 11 seed in the East but currently are just one game back from the 10-seeded Chicago Bulls. The Wizards’ .171 win percentage this season gives them the 15 seed in the East and is a league low.
The Tyrese Maxey-led squad had control of Washington for the majority of the game, winning the first, second, and third quarter. They had an 11-point halftime lead, despite Maxey scoring just 8 points through two. Going into the 4th, Philadelphia had extended their lead to 14.
About halfway through the final period up 10 points, the 76ers let the Wizards go on a 12-0 run, giving up their significant lead and giving the Wizards their first lead since early in the first quarter. However, clutch defensive stops by Guerschon Yabusele, Caleb Martin, and Kelly Oubre Jr. led to Philly’s eventual 6-point victory.
Despite this clutch win, Philadelphia has once again proved that they endure significant struggles without their star players. This is expected, but it seems as if Philly has more difficulties than the average team. With Embiid, George, and Maxey on the floor, the team looks like an elite basketball squad that can compete for the East. However, without them, it’s almost like a completely different team is on the court. This is to the fault of Nick Nurse, Daryl Morey, and executives for not acquiring enough depth in the offseason, but that isn’t a good enough excuse if the 76ers are as serious about making a deep playoff run as they say they are.
Wednesday’s game also showed more progress in Eric Gordon, who put up 15 points on 5 for 8 shooting. He has shown shades of a good role player, but this season’s hardships on the court tainted the image that was created for him when he first arrived in Philly. This game showed his development and could create momentum for the rest of the season for the forward.
Along with Gordon, this was another game where Philadelphia’s own Justin Edwards saw decent minutes off the bench. Edwards made the most of his 12 minutes on the court, snagging 3 boards and blocking 1 shot. The guard from the Kentucky Wildcats went to high school at powerhouse Imhotep Charter in the Philadelphia Public League.
As stated previously, Yabusele’s defensive stops helped assist in Philadelphia’s win against the Wizards, but it was his offense that once again shined. The French forward/center scored 21 points and nailed 5 of his 7 three-point attempts, an incredible statline for a big man. His dominance beyond the arc as a big man while also being serviceable down low makes him one of the most dynamic players in the entire NBA. Yabusele has been electrifying in the extra minutes that he’s earned with the recent absences of Embiid and Andre Drummond.
Philadelphia moves on to play the New Orleans Pelicans back at home on Friday night. It will be Philly’s first time meeting the 7-31 Pelicans this season. Between Wednesday’s Wizards and Friday’s Pelicans, the 76ers will host two teams with an abysmal combined 3-29 record on the road this season. With Embiid and George likely returning for this game, there is no reason why Philly shouldn’t run their opponent out of the water.
Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
Evan Hartenstein
Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.
