James Harden had 23 points (15 in the first quarter) and 17 assists, and the Philadelphia 76ers closed the third quarter on an 18-2 run to beat the Washington Wizards 118-111.
The Wizards went on a 12-3 run to lead 71-68 with 5:08 left in the third quarter. Tobias Harris’ layup put the 76ers ahead for good with 4:04 left in the quarter. Montrezl Harrell scored 7 points during the run, and they led 86-73 after three quarters and by as many as 18 in the fourth quarter.
Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points (16 in the paint), and De'Anthony Melton added 16 points on 7 for 10 shooting. Harden assisted on 6 of Melton’s 7 baskets, 3 of them in the fourth quarter.
For the Wizards, Kristaps Porziņģis had 32 points and 9 rebounds, and Bradley Beal added 20 points and 6 assists. Monte Morris had 19 points and 3 steals. Porziņģis scored 17 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter.
The 76ers shot 55.4% from the field to the Wizards’ 46.9%. The Wizards were outscored 16-6 in 4 minutes with Beal, Barton, Hachimura, Gafford and Avdija on the floor together.