NBA: Paul George, Sixers shoot lights out vs. Wizards

Paul George set a career high in a Sixers uniform with 39 points, leading the visiting Philadelphia 76ers to a 153-131 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, despite playing without Joel Embiid.

George was 15 of 22 from the field and made six three-pointers in 30 minutes of play. Tyrese Maxey added 28 points, while rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 23, helping Philadelphia shoot a season-high 61.6% from the floor, including 48.6% from beyond the arc (17 of 35).

With the win, the Sixers (42-34) moved within half a game of Toronto for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference. Toronto hosted Sacramento on Wednesday.

“I think I got to my spots early, that was the key—range up and shoot with confidence,” George said in a postgame interview on the Sixers broadcast. “Tonight was a great indicator. I was connected to my body, able to play physical, and play downhill. That’s what I do best.”

George scored 14 points in the first quarter and 24 by halftime. Philadelphia trailed by 10 in the second quarter but led only 73-71 at the break. The third quarter, however, changed the course of the game. The Sixers shot 20 of 26 in the period, scoring 47 points to take a 120-103 lead.

“We knew we needed to get stops,” George said of the defensive adjustments. “We had to guard and help one another, and that helped us get into a good flow.”

For Washington, Anthony Gill led the bench with 21 points, including three three-pointers. Will Riley scored 18, and Tristan Vukcevic added 17, as the Wizards shot 52.1% from the floor.

The Wizards (17-59) have lost four straight games and 20 of their last 21. Wednesday’s 153 points allowed were the most given up by Washington this season and marked the second-highest point total scored by the Sixers this season; Philadelphia had scored 157 in a win over Chicago last Wednesday.

Before the game, Joel Embiid’s status was a key storyline. Embiid played Monday against Miami, scoring 26 points, but noted he was feeling under the weather afterward. He posted on X hours before Wednesday’s game: “I guess they won’t let me play basketball!!”

—Field Level Media/Reuters