Watching the Philadelphia 76ers clash with the Washington Wizards on December 2nd, 2025, felt like witnessing a masterclass in momentum basketball.
As someone who follows the NBA closely, Tyrese Maxey’s explosive third-quarter performance stood out brilliantly. From start to finish, the game showcased moments of grit, pace, and individual brilliance.
This breakdown dives into the full player stats, key plays, and turning points that defined this matchup at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Let’s explore how it all unfolded.
How Did Tyrese Maxey Dominate the Game for the 76ers?
There are performances in the NBA that define not just a player’s form but also the rhythm of the entire team. Tyrese Maxey’s outing against the Washington Wizards was one such performance. Playing just under 29 minutes, Maxey exploded for 35 points on 13 of 26 shooting, including four successful three-pointers.
What made his night special wasn’t just the volume of points but the timing, 20 of those came in a single third quarter blitz that completely shifted the momentum in favour of the 76ers.
Maxey had already shown signs of brilliance in previous games, but this match was a testimony to his leadership and precision under pressure.
With his speed and confidence in pulling up from deep, Maxey opened up the floor for his teammates. His 100% accuracy from the free-throw line was another indicator of his efficiency.
Key Stats for Tyrese Maxey
- Minutes Played: 28:49
- Field Goals: 13-26 (50%)
- 3-Point Shooting: 4-9 (44.4%)
- Free Throws: 5-5 (100%)
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 4
- Blocks: 1
His performance wasn’t just about points. Maxey’s playmaking added value throughout the game, with six assists that created momentum-shifting buckets.
What Sparked the Third Quarter Surge for Philadelphia?
The 76ers entered the third quarter with a 12-point lead, but the Wizards managed to cut that down to five early on. What followed was a stunning response led by Maxey. The 76ers went on an 11-2 run, pushing the lead back to double digits and essentially taking the air out of the Wizards’ momentum.
Maxey scored 20 of his total 35 points in this period, while the Wizards managed only 23 points in the entire quarter. Washington shot just 7 of 22 in that stretch, missing critical opportunities to close the gap.
Factors That Sparked the Surge
- Maxey’s quick transition play
- Efficient perimeter shooting from players like Jared McCain and Justin Edwards
- Strong defensive rebounding and outlet passes from Andre Drummond
This third-quarter dominance showcased the 76ers’ ability to capitalise on runs and seal games with tempo and energy.
76ers vs Washington Wizards Match Player Stats
The final scoreline read 121-102 in favour of the 76ers, and the player statistics reflect how dominant Philadelphia were throughout the game.
Team Shooting Comparison
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Assists | Points |
| 76ers | 45.1 | 42.5 | 70.6 | 51 | 26 | 121 |
| Wizards | 39.8 | 25.0 | 71.9 | 53 | 23 | 102 |
The Wizards managed more total rebounds but were inefficient in scoring, particularly from three-point range. In contrast, Philadelphia’s bench provided reliable support, extending the lead in the absence of starters in the final quarter.
Who Were the Top Scorers for the Wizards?
Despite the loss, the Wizards had seven players score in double figures, showing their attempt at spreading the offensive responsibility. Tristan Vukcevic led the team with 16 points in just under 22 minutes, showing solid efficiency with a field goal percentage of 66.7%.
Marvin Bagley III, Justin Champagnie, and Will Riley also contributed with 13 points each. However, most of these came in moments when the game was slipping away, lacking the impact to shift momentum.
Standout Performers
- Tristan Vukcevic: 16 pts, 6-9 FG
- Marvin Bagley III: 13 pts, 100% from the free-throw line
- Justin Champagnie: 13 pts, 7 rebounds
- Will Riley: 13 pts, 83.3% FG
The efforts were there, but none of the Wizards’ stars could match the intensity Maxey brought during that crucial third quarter.
How Did Bench Players Impact the Outcome?
Philadelphia’s bench unit played a decisive role in preserving and extending the lead when the starters rested. Jared McCain was particularly effective, scoring 14 points with a shooting efficiency of 54.5%.
Jabari Walker also delivered a strong two-way performance with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The 76ers bench outscored the Wizards’ reserves and helped maintain defensive pressure throughout.
Key Bench Contributions
- Jared McCain: 14 points, 5 assists
- Jabari Walker: 10 points, 12 rebounds
- Adem Bona: Perfect from the field and free-throw line
This bench depth allowed coach rotations without compromising game flow.
What Were the Key Shooting and Rebounding Stats?
The shooting efficiency was one of the biggest differences between the teams. While the 76ers shot 45.1% from the field and an impressive 42.5% from beyond the arc, the Wizards struggled, shooting under 40% from the field and just 25% from deep.
Shooting and Rebounding Summary
| Team | FG Made | 3P Made | Total Rebounds |
| Philadelphia | 46 | 17 | 51 |
| Washington | 35 | 9 | 53 |
Philadelphia had a slight edge in defensive rebounds, which led to quick transition plays and fast break points. Drummond’s 10 rebounds, along with Walker’s 12, solidified their presence in the paint.
76ers vs Washington Wizards Match Player Stats – Team Performance Breakdown
The 76ers’ team performance was built around quick ball movement, outside shooting, and stifling defence in the second half. The Wizards, on the other hand, showed promise early on but faded due to poor shot selection and weak defence on perimeter plays.
Breakdown by Quarters
| Quarter | 76ers | Wizards |
| Q1 | 34 | 27 |
| Q2 | 32 | 27 |
| Q3 | 34 | 23 |
| Q4 | 21 | 25 |
Philadelphia won three out of four quarters decisively. The third quarter was the game-changing period, dominated entirely by the hosts.
What Role Did Maxey’s Consistency Play in the 76ers’ Win?
Maxey has been on a consistent scoring streak, and this match was no exception. Scoring 20+ points in 20 straight games shows not only reliability but leadership. Even when he’s not on the floor, his energy sets the tone for the rest of the squad.
His ability to score from the perimeter, attack the rim, and find open teammates makes him unpredictable and tough to defend.
This match was also the third consecutive game where he crossed the 30-point mark, reinforcing his emergence as a central figure in the 76ers’ system, especially in Joel Embiid’s absence.
How Did the Wizards Struggle Offensively in the Second Half?
After a decent first half where they managed 54 points, the Wizards’ offence collapsed. They could only put up 23 in the third and 25 in the fourth. Their field goal percentage dropped significantly, and they were unable to guard perimeter plays or defend transition attacks effectively.
Turnovers increased, and the team failed to convert second-chance opportunities despite having more rebounds.
Offensive Struggles
- Poor three-point shooting (25%)
- Inconsistent shot selection
- Lack of on-ball movement
- Only 7 field goals made in the third quarter
These issues allowed the 76ers to run away with the game by the start of the fourth quarter.
Which Players Stepped Up Defensively for Philadelphia?
While Maxey led the offensive charge, several others took the defensive baton. Andre Drummond had a near double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with a block and a steal. VJ Edgecombe had two steals and six assists, helping anchor the perimeter defence.
Paul George, although quiet offensively, contributed with key rebounds and a steal. The team managed to keep Washington’s main shooters under control and forced 15 turnovers in total.
Defensive Contributors
- Drummond: Paint protection and rebounding
- Edgecombe: Perimeter hustle and ball movement
- Walker: Strong rebounding and rotations
Their collective defensive effort allowed Philadelphia to restrict Washington’s scoring flow in the crucial moments.
What’s Next for Both Teams After This Match?
The 76ers, buoyed by this dominant win, will stay at home to host the Golden State Warriors next. With Embiid expected to return soon, their form looks promising as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
The Wizards, now 1-11 on the road, will face a tough test next against the Boston Celtics. Addressing their defensive gaps and improving their three-point shooting will be crucial moving forward.
Conclusion
The 76ers vs Washington Wizards match was a clear example of what separates contenders from teams in transition.
Tyrese Maxey’s third-quarter heroics lifted Philadelphia to an emphatic 121-102 victory. With contributions from both starters and bench, the 76ers displayed depth, balance, and confidence.
The Wizards, although having multiple players in double digits, lacked the cohesion to challenge beyond the first half. As both teams prepare for their next fixtures, the lessons from this match will echo through the locker rooms.
FAQs
How many points did Tyrese Maxey score in the third quarter?
Tyrese Maxey scored 20 points in the third quarter alone, playing a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s momentum shift.
Who was the top scorer for the Washington Wizards?
Tristan Vukcevic led the scoring for the Wizards with 16 points, shooting 66.7% from the field.
What was the 76ers’ three-point shooting percentage?
The 76ers shot 42.5% from three-point range, making 17 of their 40 attempts.
Which Philadelphia player had the most rebounds?
Jabari Walker led the 76ers with 12 rebounds, providing strong support off the bench.
Did Joel Embiid play in this game?
No, Joel Embiid did not play. He was listed as inactive for this match.
How did Andre Drummond perform?
Drummond had a solid game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and effective paint defence.
What is Washington’s road record after this loss?
With this defeat, the Washington Wizards dropped to a 1-11 record on the road this season.
