Wizards 99, 76ers 94
PHILADELPHIA -- John Wall had 16 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds while Marcus Thornton scored 18 points as the Washington Wizards stayed afloat for a potential playoff berth following a 99-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
Marcin Gortat scored 16 points and swept 13 rebounds while Otto Porter Jr. added 12 points for the Wizards, who won their third in a row pushing their record to 33-35. They began the night just one-and-a-half games behind the Detroit Pistons for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Nene also grabbed 11 rebounds for Washington.
The Wizards swept the four-game season series from Philadelphia and won for the sixth straight time over the 76ers.
Wall was spectacular in the Wizards' last game, a 117-96 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The All-Star guard registered his third triple-double of the season with 29 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
Make it four now.
Wall wasn't outstanding as he shot 4-for-17 and committed nine turnovers but he was more than effective against the 76ers with a floor record for most assists in any half with 12 in the first half. This arena opened in 1996.
The short-handed 76ers played without Jahlil Okafor -- who needs knee surgery and is out for the season -- Robert Covington (concussion protocol), and Richaun Holmes (right Achilles tendon strain). Losing three forwards severely depleted their depth and that was an issue before the injuries began to develop.
Ish Smith led the 76ers with 20 points while Isaiah Canaan added 15. Nerlens Noel had 14 points, 16 rebounds and a career-best seven steals and Hollis Thompson scored 15 points. Jerami Grant contributed 13 points.
Philadelphia (9-59) was an abysmal 6-for-33 from 3-point range, but stayed within striking distance thanks to 23 turnovers by the Wizards.
The 76ers closed within 82-76 with 6:21 remaining after a layup by Canaan. On Philadelphia's next possession, Canaan was fouled hard by Markieff Morris, who was whistled for a Flagrant 2 and an automatic ejection. Canaan hit both free throws and Grant followed with two free throws to close within 82-80.
Hollis Thompson then picked up an offensive rebound after a miss by Canaan and tied the game at 82.
The Wizards responded with a pair of jumpers by Thornton and then a clutch steal by Wall and an assist which led to a dunk by Temple for an 88-84 advantage with 3:17 remaining.
The 76ers actually had a chance to take a late lead but Grant missed two free throws with 26.7 seconds left.
Thornton knocked down 1-of-2 free throws and Wall hit two clutch free throws for a 93-89 advantage and ultimately a victory.
Early on, there wasn't much to cheer about from the home team as the Wizards took control from the opening tip.
Washington shot 53 percent from the field in the first half on its way to a 58-39 lead. After pulling ahead by eight points after the first quarter, the Wizards turned up their defensive pressure and extended their lead to 19 at the break.
The 76ers began misfiring from beyond the arc and never recovered. They were just 2-for-19 from 3-point territory in the first half.
NOTES: Wizards G Bradley Beal (pelvic sprain) and G-F Alan Anderson (left ankle) were both inactive. ... 76ers coach Brett Brown, on his goal for the rest of the season: "What I want to do in the 15 games remaining is play better defense." ... 76ers G T.J. McConnell entered the game with 81 steals and he became the first rookie this season to reach at least 80. McConnell is the 11th rookie in 76ers history to record at least 80 steals in a single season. ... Wizards C Marcin Gortat was plugged into the starting lineup despite a sore lower back. ... The 76ers unveiled their 32nd different starting lineup this season.