Sixers Cruise Past Wizards Behind Maxey’s Big Night and Key Supporting Performances
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t just get back in the win column Tuesday night - they did it with authority. A 121-102 dismantling of the Washington Wizards was just what the doctor ordered after a tough loss on Sunday. From the opening tip, the Sixers looked locked in, building a 16-point lead in the first half and stretching it to as much as 36 before easing off the gas.
Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 35 points, six assists, four rebounds, and four steals - another night of All-Star-level production from the young guard. But the win wasn’t just about Maxey. Philadelphia got meaningful contributions up and down the roster: Paul George added 11 points and five boards, rookie Jared McCain chipped in 14 points and five assists off the bench, and four other players scored in double figures.
Here’s a closer look at three major takeaways from the Sixers’ bounce-back win.
1. Maxey Gets the Breather He’s Earned
Tyrese Maxey has been doing everything short of driving the team bus this season. He’s logged heavy minutes, taken on a massive scoring load, and been the engine of Nick Nurse’s offense from day one. So when the Sixers built a comfortable cushion through three quarters, Nurse didn’t hesitate to give his star a well-deserved break.
And it wasn’t just a symbolic rest - Maxey sat the entire fourth quarter, a rare luxury in a season where he’s often been asked to carry the team late into games.
“Yep,” Nurse said postgame. “It sure was.
We had a good chance, I think, to cut down everybody there. A lot more than we probably anticipated.
So, it was good all around, but especially good for him.”
This wasn’t just about saving legs for the long haul - it was a sign of how dominant the Sixers were. Maxey did his damage early and efficiently, and the team didn’t need him to play hero ball late. That’s a win in more ways than one.
2. Jabari Walker Shows Why the Sixers Are High on Him
Jabari Walker has been a bit of a wild card for the Sixers so far this season - flashes of potential, but still searching for consistency. On Tuesday, though, he looked like a guy ready to carve out a real role.
The fourth-year forward out of Colorado knocked down a couple of threes early, pulled down 12 rebounds, and brought physicality on the defensive end. It was the kind of all-around performance the Sixers have been waiting for - and one that could earn him more minutes moving forward.
“For me, I’m really asking him quite frequently to take those 3s,” Nurse said. “He’s a good shooter.
His numbers and things that he charts - they’re really high. We’re really working on it to get him to take those.”
Walker’s rebounding stood out as much as his shooting. He attacked the glass with energy and purpose, showing a knack for tracking down boards in traffic. If he can keep that up while staying confident in his shot, he could become a key piece off the bench.
“He snaps rebounds down, man,” Nurse added. “You guys see it. He snaps them down and he just has a knack for it.”
3. Paul George Starting to Find His Footing
Paul George hasn’t quite looked like himself to start the season, but Tuesday was a step in the right direction. He scored 11 points and hit three of his five attempts from beyond the arc, giving the Sixers a reliable catch-and-shoot option alongside Maxey.
This version of George - the floor-spacer who can punish defenses for collapsing on Maxey - is exactly what Philly needs as the offense continues to evolve. He doesn’t have to be the No. 1 option, but his ability to knock down open looks is critical in keeping defenses honest.
“It’s getting there,” George said of his rhythm. “I just got to get my legs a little bit under me, get a little stronger. I just feel like my legs aren’t as strong as they need to be.”
George admitted he’s still working through some early-season fatigue - essentially treating these games as his own personal training camp. But even at less than 100%, his shooting touch was on display. If this is the start of him rounding into form, the Sixers’ offense becomes even more dangerous.
Final Word
This was the kind of game that can settle a team. The Sixers didn’t need late-game heroics or a Maxey explosion in crunch time. Instead, they got a balanced, wire-to-wire win that allowed their star to rest, their role players to shine, and their veteran to find his rhythm.
It’s only one game, but it checked a lot of boxes - and for a team trying to build momentum, that’s exactly the kind of night you want to see.