Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points, Buddy Hield added 23, and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards 119-113 on Saturday night, snapping a four-game losing run.
The Sixers were without seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid for the sixth consecutive game after he underwent left knee surgery on Tuesday. Rookie Ricky Council IV contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds.
“He was big time,” Maxey said of Council’s 11th NBA debut and first one lasting more than 12 minutes. “He balled.” Defensive, offensive, and energy-wise. He scored several important points down the stretch. “I am proud of him.”
Maxey also had nine rebounds and seven assists in his return after missing Friday’s loss to Atlanta due to sickness. Hield, who was moved from Indiana to Philadelphia in a three-team transaction consummated Thursday, had 20 points in his Philadelphia debut on Friday, the first time he’s scored more than 20 in consecutive games since November 21 and 22.
“It’s just hard to guard when there’s speed on the ball and shooting, as well as shooting off the ball,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse said of Maxey-Hield.
Philadelphia outrebounded Washington 48-39 and scored three late offensive rebounds, two of which came from Council, to seal the victory in a fiercely contested fourth quarter. The effort helped the Sixers maintain their two-game lead over Indiana in the Eastern Conference.
“It’s unreal right now,” Council remarked. “But once you’re out there, it’s fairly simple. Simply play hard and be yourself.
Tyus Jones had a season-high 25 points and a career-high six 3-pointers for the Wizards, who dropped their sixth straight and fell to 2-7 under interim coach Brian Keefe.
Deni Avdija added 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma scored 21 points for Washington, which never led after the first quarter but cut a 15-point lead to two after an 11-2 rally early in the fourth.
The Sixers answered with a pair of big putbacks, with Kelly Oubre Jr. following his own jumper from the right corner and dunking in traffic, then Council adding another follow of his effort in the paint to make it 104–98.
Philadelphia maintained their lead for at least two possessions after that. Council added another layup after outmuscling Jordan Poole for a rebound to make it 115-109 in the closing minute, and he made two free throws to seal the deal.
“I just feel like I’m a dog,” Council explained. “A lot of people say it, but not many people do it. I’m not sure what happens when I’m out there; I can’t explain it. “I only see the goal and my teammates.
