PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia 76ers host the depleted Washington Wizards on Wednesday, looking to bounce back from Monday’s blowout loss to the also depleted Denver Nuggets.
The 76ers are not going to let two bad games happen in a row. Philadelphia struck early against the Wizards, and while Washington did respond in the first half, the overall effort was too much for the young Wizards to handle. The 76ers won 131-110 and returned to the win list.
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Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey had 22 points and 8 assists, Joel Embiid had 28 points and 7 rebounds, and Paul George had 23 points and 5 assists. Dominick Barlow of the 76ers also had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe had 13 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Quentin Grimes scored 16 points and Andre Drummond had 11 points and 4 rebounds.
Here are the players’ results after the win:
Tyrese Maxey: A
The Wizards don’t have anyone on their roster who can stop Maxey at the point of attack. He gets into the paint early and often knocks down open threes. Maxey had plenty of opportunities to keep the scoreboard rolling in this game as he set the tone early. All night long, Maxey was attacking the paint, making things happen by scoring or making plays in order to get the Sixers into a rhythm. He was a solid player for Philadelphia all night long in this one.
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VJ Edgecombe: B+
The rookie got off to a slow start again, but he performed well defensively and made his presence felt in the area. Although he struggled with efficiency, he created opportunities for others with his passing and was able to contribute in multiple areas. He once again contributed at a high level offensively in the second half as he continued to find ways to shake off a slow start. What he did was truly impressive.
Paul George: A
When the Wizards went on a run early in the second quarter, the Sixers got George back into the game, and the nine-time All-Star helped turn the game around. He played a big role in the second quarter and made some important shots to get the 76ers back on the right track. Especially his three-point shooting percentage is very helpful to the team’s offense. Overall, George had a great night as he was efficient in all aspects of the offense, whether it was in the mid-range or beyond the arc. He also got to the free throw line and made a lot of plays on defense.
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Dominic Barlow: A
The resilient forward does a great job on the offensive glass. Barlow created many extra offensive opportunities for the 76ers, and the Wizards struggled to keep him off the boards. He also has some great defensive skills. He was helpful offensively in the third quarter, moving well without the basketball and knocking down a corner 3-pointer when Washington left him open. He gave this team a big boost in the third quarter.
Joel Embiid: A
The 2023 MVP established himself early against Wizards big man Alex Sarr and started the offense. One has to give Sar the credit because he’s a tough defender, but Embiid looks easy at times as he fights the second-year big man in the mid-range and inside. Embiid’s offense was very efficient in this game as he was effective in multiple areas. He had a strong start to the third quarter that really put the Sixers in control of the game as he used his size and strength to finish in the paint.
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Quentin Grimes: C
Grimes came off the bench and scored quickly for the 76ers, but then he made several serious mistakes and encountered some difficulties on the defensive end. He also missed a few open 3-point attempts generated on this drive. He made some impressive baskets in the second half, so Philadelphia will accept that, but they came when the game was already underway.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: Incomplete
Oubre returned from a 22-game absence and had a rough first stretch. His two shots weren’t particularly close as he was unable to make an impact offensively. He was tough defensively and grabbed a few rebounds, but he was understandably rusty offensively. Overall, it was a rough night, but one in which he got some relief.
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Jared McCain: F
McCain’s initial tenure was difficult for him. He can’t find any type of offensive rhythm when he puts the ball on the floor and gets into the paint, but struggles to transition. He deserves some relief as he recovers from a serious injury, but it’s been really tough for him lately.
Adam Boehner: F
Bona’s first few minutes were difficult. The Wizards smothered him on the glass so he couldn’t make much of an impact there, and he couldn’t protect the rim or even finish in the paint.
Jabari Walker: Incomplete
The Sixers turned to Walker early, but there was nothing he could do. He had some trouble defending in the paint, which the Wizards defended with ease. He appeared to be injured toward the end of his 4-minute run.
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Andre Drummond: B
After a difficult period with Bona, the 76ers turned to Drummond in the second half. He’s given the Sixers a presence on the glass and done wonders in Philadelphia’s paint as the veteran is so impactful.
This article originally appeared on 76ers Wired: Player Grade: Tyrese Maxey, 76ers bounce back after win over Wizards
