Wizards 106, 76ers 94
WASHINGTON -- Wizards All-Star guard John Wall registered his fourth career triple-double with 18 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Washington snapped a three-game losing streak with a 106-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
Washington guard Bradley Beal scored 22 points in his first start since Dec. 9.
The Wizards (22-26) had dropped seven of nine. In danger of flat-lining with a loss to the 76ers, they led by 20-points after the first quarter, which jump-started the needed victory. The Wizards pushed the lead to 76-51 in the third quarter and then fended off the 76ers over the remainder of the game.
Guard Ish Smith had 22 points for the 76ers, and guard Isaiah Canaan scored 18 points. Philadelphia (7-43) has lost four straight, including Wednesday's 124-86 home debacle against the Atlanta Hawks.
Center Marcin Gortat amassed 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Wizards, who shot 52.4 percent from the field and never trailed. Philadelphia made 42.5 percent of its field-goal attempts.
Washington played without forward Nene (left calf strain) but welcomed back head coach Randy Wittman, who missed the previous two games following the sudden passing of his brother.
Wall's triple-double was the first for Washington since he had 14 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists against the Charlotte Bobcats on April 9, 2014. He clinched this one with 5:24 remaining with an alley-oop lob pass to Beal, who came off the bench during the first nine games since returning from a leg stress injury on Jan. 13.
Smith, who spent training camp with the Wizards, tallied 14 points in the third quarter as Philadelphia closed the period with a 21-6 spurt, cutting the lead to 82-72. The 76ers pulled within 92-83 but would get no closer.
Wall and Beal each scored 10 points in the first quarter as the Wizards built a 38-18 advantage, setting highs for most points and largest margin in the opening period.
Canaan scored 11 points in the second quarter as the 76ers pulled within 60-47 entering halftime, but the Wizards opened the third quarter with a 14-4 run.
NOTES: The NBA announced the snowed-out Jan. 23 game between the Wizards and Utah Jazz will be made up Feb. 18 in Washington, giving the Wizards three games in three days after the All-Star break. ... After Sixers G Ish Smith was released by the Wizards, he started the season with the Pelicans before Philadelphia acquired him from New Orleans on Dec. 24. ... Washington won last season's series 3-1. ... 76ers G Richaun Holmes (sprained ankle) didn't play. ... Philadelphia plays host to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, the same day that Washington visits the Charlotte Hornets.