The Philadelphia 76ers’s offense has put together two electrifying offensive performances over the last week. The timing could not be better as the 76ers are trying to secure a spot in the top six in the Eastern Conference that will prevent the from playing in the play-in tournament.
Last Wednesday, the 76ers trounced the Chicago Bulls 157-137, and this Wednesday, the 76ers clobbered the Washington Wizards 153-131. To put what Philadelphia has been able to accomplish into perspective, according to Reuben Frank of NBC Sports, the 76ers had not scored 153 points in a game for 40 years, and now they have done it twice in a week.
The 76ers offense erupted on Wednesday against the Wizards without the presence of their big man, Joel Embiid, who was out with an illness. The 76ers player who delivered the most was power forward Paul George of Palmdale, California, who had 39 points.
George has only played in 31 games this season. The reason for his latest absence is because he was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s drug policy. In the four games since George has returned to the 76ers, Philadelphia has been averaging 134.3 points per game.
In the 76ers win over the Wizards, five other Philadelphia players reached double digits in points. Point guard Tyrese Maxey of Dallas, Texas had 28 points, shooting guard VJ Edgecombe of Bimini, Bahamas had 23 points, center Adem Bona of Lagos, Nigeria had 13 points, while shooting guard Quentin Grimes of Houston, Texas and small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. of New Orleans. Louisiana had 12 points each.
With the win, the 76ers improved to a record of 42 wins and 34 losses, They are in a sixth place tie with the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference.
