Paul George Continues His Post-Suspension Reign of Terror, 76ers Win 153-131
Apr 1, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard Will Riley (27) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers delivered one of their most explosive offensive performances of the season Wednesday night, beating the Washington Wizards 153–131 in a game that could carry major implications in the playoff race.
The 76ers currently sit in the crowded middle tier of the playoff standings, where the next handful of games can determine whether a team secures a guaranteed playoff spot or has to push their way through the play-in games. This victory keeps the 76ers firmly within reach of climbing out of that play-in territory, depending on the outcome of the Raptors-Kings matchup later in the evening.
Despite the lopsided final score, the game began with a noticeable concern for Philadelphia. Joel Embiid, contrary to his posts on X earlier in the day, was unavailable due to illness, leaving the 76ers without his presence on the court. Fortunately for the 76ers, the Wizards entered the matchup dealing with a roster situation of their own. With multiple stars, such as newly acquired Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and rising star Alex Sarr, unavailable, the Wizards were forced to rely on their bench pieces against the 76ers.
Due to this, the offense for the 76ers appeared unstoppable, and when a team scores over 150 points without their superstar center, it is clear that other players stepped up. At the center of that offensive explosion was the dynamic backcourt pairing of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Both guards controlled the game from the opening quarter, and by the final buzzer, the two guards had combined for 51 points and 19 assists while shooting an efficient 22-for-35 from the field. Since Edgecombe’s time as the leading man on an injury-riddled 76ers team, he has shown massive improvements, and they shone on the court all throughout the game. However, this offensive explosion extended beyond the starting lineup.
Philadelphia’s bench played a critical role in maintaining the scoring pace. The key role players during this game were Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr., who combined for 24 points. Their contributions helped Philadelphia maintain its already dominant form far beyond just a “surge in scoring” and turned into a game full of buckets.
However, the most intriguing storyline surrounding the 76ers continues to revolve around the recent resurgence of veteran forward Paul George. Since returning from suspension last week against the Bulls, George has been playing at an exceptionally high level. Over his last four games, the nine-time All-Star is averaging 28 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while shooting above 50 percent from the field. On Wednesday night, he scored 39 points, his most as a Sixer.
Even more impressive than that has been the efficiency from long range. During that same stretch, George has connected on nearly 43 percent of his three-point attempts, which has added a much-needed scoring threat from beyond the arc.
Alongside the production from Edgecombe and Maxey, George blended right in and showed just how scary this 76ers team can be come April.
The version of George currently taking the floor resembles the star forward who once led the Indiana Pacers into repeated postseason battles against LeBron James and the Miami Heat during the early 2010s. If that version of George continues to appear during the final weeks of the season, Philadelphia’s offensive potential is likely one of, if not the most dangerous, of any team.
This 153-point performance may have come against a depleted opponent, but the display offered a glimpse of the type of offensive ability the 76ers are capable of producing when the roster begins to click at the right time.
Isaac Baranski
Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic, and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.
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