The Washington Wizards were all but destined to lose big tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. They did lose, but only by a 131-126 margin.
When reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid comes to town and the Wizards have Daniel Gafford and … not much else at center, Washington had two options for a win: let Embiid get his numbers and keep everyone else under control, or try to stop him and hope no one else get into “Wiz Killer” mode.
Washington chose the former as Embiid scored 50 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished 7 assists. Philadelphia only saw three other players score in double figures, the starting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton, as well as former Wizard Kelly Oubre.