Imagine a single quarter so dominant, it seals the entire game. That's exactly what Tyrese Maxey did, exploding for 20 of his 35 points in the third quarter to propel the Philadelphia 76ers to a commanding 121-102 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. But here's where it gets even more impressive: Maxey, fresh off a 44-point outing, has now scored 20 or more points in a staggering 20 consecutive games this season. Talk about consistency!
Maxey’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. He shot 13 of 26 from the field, dished out six assists, and snagged four steals in just 29 minutes of play. His third-quarter outburst was so decisive that he didn’t even need to step on the court in the fourth. And this is the part most people miss: While Maxey was lighting up the scoreboard, the Wizards managed only 23 points in the same quarter, shooting a mere 7 of 22 from the floor.
The 76ers, who led 66-54 at halftime, saw their advantage shrink to just five points after the Wizards opened the third quarter with a 7-0 run. But Philadelphia quickly responded with an 11-2 surge, reclaiming a double-digit lead they wouldn’t relinquish. By the end of the third, the 76ers had already hit the century mark, thanks to a Maxey free throw with 32.1 seconds left. They then opened the fourth quarter with a 14-2 run, stretching their lead to a game-high 36 points at 115-79.
Andre Drummond chipped in with a solid double-double, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Jared McCain added 14 points off the bench. Jabari Walker also made his presence felt with 10 points and 12 rebounds, and Paul George scored 11. But here’s a controversial take: Despite the Wizards having seven players score in double figures, led by Tristan Vukcevic’s 16 points, their inability to stop Maxey in the third quarter exposed a glaring defensive weakness. Is this a trend for Washington, or just a one-off collapse?
The Wizards, now 1-11 on the road this season, continue to struggle away from home. Meanwhile, the 76ers, who were without Quentin Grimes (17 PPG) for the first time this season, showed impressive depth and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Wizards will host the Boston Celtics on Thursday, while the 76ers stay home to face the Golden State Warriors. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Maxey’s streak and the 76ers’ recent dominance, are they emerging as serious contenders in the East? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
