Tyrese Maxey's explosive third quarter sealed the deal for Philadelphia! The 76ers dominated the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, December 2nd, 2025, with a final score of 121-102. But was this just another routine win, or does it signal a shift in power in the Eastern Conference?
Maxey, fresh off a scorching 44-point game, continued his impressive scoring streak, pouring in 35 points, with a remarkable 20 coming in the third quarter alone. Andre Drummond anchored the paint with 12 points and 10 rebounds, contributing to a well-rounded team performance. The Sixers showcased their depth with notable contributions from Jared McCain (14 points) and Jabari Walker (10 points, 12 rebounds) off the bench. Even Paul George chipped in with 11 points, proving that the 76ers are a force to be reckoned with when their stars are supported by a strong supporting cast.
Here's how the game unfolded: Philadelphia held a 66-54 lead at halftime, but the Wizards came out firing in the third, narrowing the gap to just five points. But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans argue that the 76ers intentionally let the Wizards back into the game, only to crush their hopes with an even more dominant response. What do you think? Was it a calculated strategy or simply a momentary lapse in focus?
Maxey then took over, leading an 11-2 run that stretched the lead back to double digits. The Wizards simply couldn't contain him, especially in the third quarter, where they managed a paltry 23 points on 7-of-22 shooting while Maxey himself contributed 20. And this is the part most people miss: Maxey's efficiency. He scored his 35 points in just 29 minutes, not even playing in the fourth quarter! That's a testament to his scoring prowess and the team's ability to close out the game.
The 76ers reached the century mark with 32.1 seconds remaining in the third, courtesy of a Maxey free throw. They then started the fourth with a 14-2 run, pushing the lead to a commanding 115-79, effectively putting the game out of reach. For the Wizards, Tristan Vukcevic led the scoring with 16 points, while Marvin Bagley III, Justin Champagnie, and Will Riley each added 13. However, their efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome Philadelphia's balanced attack. The Wizards' road woes continued, dropping their record to a dismal 1-11 away from home.
In the first half, Maxey already had 15 points, McCain added 11, and the 76ers were firing on all cylinders from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 21 three-point attempts. The Wizards, on the other hand, struggled, shooting just 38% from the field. Philadelphia played without Quentin Grimes, who averages 17 points per game, marking his first absence of the season.
Looking ahead, the Wizards will host the Boston Celtics on Thursday, while the 76ers will remain at home to face the Golden State Warriors. Can the Wizards turn their season around against a tough Celtics team? Will the 76ers continue their dominance against the Warriors? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
