The Wizards matched the 76ers’ pomp as they faced one of the NBA’s hottest teams at Capital One Arena on Tuesday night. It helped that Washington had his two centers in the starting lineup and was able to match Joel Embiid (who still scored 48 and had 10 rebounds). They took a 16-point lead early in the third set and didn’t trail after that, recording Philadelphia’s eighth straight win despite losing Bradley Beal with 4:17 left.
Beal was called a foul on Embiid, appeared to grab the back of his leg, and threw a headband in frustration before walking into the locker room. Beal recently missed six games with a sore right hamstring. After returning to action, coach Wes Unseld Jr. later said Beal was dealing with soreness in his left hamstring.
Perhaps Washington (14-21) felt the jolt of energy that comes with a bustling locker room, as the stars held on despite being absent. Unseld, who became Unseld, delivered on their promise to tinker with the lineup. Forward Deni Avdija came off the bench to support a super-large opening group featuring centers Daniel Gafford and Porzingis.
What did Porzingis like most about the changes?
“I didn’t have to protect Embiid,” he said with a smile.
The new starting lineup seemed to work: Philadelphia’s loose defense, despite notching six turnovers in six minutes and nine total turnovers in the first quarter. used to get a 32-30 lead. They had Embiid score 26 points by halftime, but they contained everyone else well enough and at halftime he shot so effectively at 55.8% that after 24 minutes he was down to 67. I got a lead of -56.
Washington maintained its dominance despite some offensive stagnation in the 3rd quarter and a mixed zone defense in the 4th losing Beale. Part of that was Philadelphia’s 6-for-31 shooting from the three-point line. The Wizards scored his 11th try in his 33rd try, including a big try after Porzingis closed the gap to his 2:59 with a slam on Embiid.
But the game’s biggest play – the one that set up the hearty crowd after Christmas and made it loud – was a defensive effort by Avdija. 23 seconds playing time. Washington collected the ball and point guard Monte Morris filled the lead at the free-throw line.
“I knew the big guys needed help, and I think I’m really good at stealing the ball,” Avdija said. “That’s it. I was able to focus on the right place at the right time.”
Avdija’s block was a prime example of both the hustle the Wizards showed at the end of a tight game and the balanced contribution they got from starters and reserves alike.
Porzingis led the league with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Beal has 19 points and 5 assists. Kyle Kuzma had 14 points and eight rebounds.
Rui Hachimura added another spark, scoring 14 points as part of the second unit. Corey Kispert got his 8, Taj Gibson and Delon Wright each got him 7.
“We needed everyone. [defensive player of the game] The belt was given to the Three Bigs, so it was by committee,” said Anseld. “It’s a cliché, but that’s how we have to approach it. We need the best version of everyone, and I think tonight was enough to work it out for the most part.”
Point guard James Harden came too late to make up for the 76ers’ flat offense. In the game, he recorded 13 assists and 7 rebounds. The 76ers (20-13) have not lost since his Dec. 5 game in Houston.
Unusually for Washington, having a healthy roster means not everyone can play. Winger Will Burton (who has struggled to find consistency off the bench), forward Anthony Gill and backup point guard Jordan Goodwin spent the entire game on the sidelines.
But Washington’s energy was noticeably different on the court and in the locker room after the game. I think it’s due to two things.
“We talked about a sense of urgency. [in the standings], that’s part of it. I thought it was a great message.hit again with similar message [Monday]: … ‘you know what? The team has to protect us too,” said Unseld. “…we have to come back to play with confidence. It’s everyone….do what you do at a high level. Trust your teammates, trust the person next to you, and cover for each other when things go wrong. I think it will help.”
