Sixers Bell Ringer: In a battle of two tanking teams, Wizards prevail in South Philly

Justin Edwards’ first career double-double was not enough as the Sixers’ tank is successful in loss to NBA worst Wizards

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 16
Quentin Grimes – 9
Joel Embiid – 8
Jared McCain – 8
Paul George – 7
Justin Edwards – 5
Kelly Oubre Jr – 5
Guerschon Yabusele – 4
Adem Bona – 2
Ricky Council IV – 2
KJ Martin -2
Jared Butler – 1
Jeff Dowtin – 1
Andre Drummond – 1
No One – 1

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The Sixers returned home on Wednesday night after a six-game road trip and welcomed the NBA’s last place Washington Wizards to the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers rolled out their NBA leading 49th different starting lineup of the season in this one. Quentin Grimes was back in the lineup after a one-game absence for rest.

For all those at home and in the arena that are putting their hopes in the Sixers NBA Draft chances you were probably pleased with the start to this one. Defense was seemingly optional for the Sixers from the start. The Wizards jumped right on the Sixers in the first quarter of this one. Wizards rookie Alex Sarr got off to a hot start with 13 points in the opening period. Sarr was joined in his efforts by Justin Champagnie who put in 11 points of his own. The Sixers were led in the scoring department by Guerschon Yabusele who poured in nine, including two three-pointers. The Wizards led after one by a score of 45-29.

The Sixers cut into the Wizards’ lead in the second quarter, winning the frame 29-22. Yabusele continued his stellar play and ended the half with a team-high 15 points. Yabusele was joined in double figures by teammates Grimes and Justin Edwards who went into the half with 13 and 12 points, respectively. The Wizards led 67-58 at the intermission.

There was little separation between the two teams in the third quarter. The Sixers’ trio of Yabusele, Grimes and Edwards continued their sound play pouring in 19, 17 and 17 points apiece through the first three quarters. A Colby Jones three at the horn was all that separated the teams as the Wizards won the period 30-27 and would take a 97-85 lead to the fourth.

The Sixers clawed back in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late as the Wizards would hold on for a 119-114 victory. The Wizards were led by Sarr who finished with 24 points on 10-of-17, flashing the upside that led to him being the second overall pick in past June’s NBA Draft.

Now for the Bell Ringer.

Justin Edwards: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, 9-of-15 from the field

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Justin Edwards put together a solid all-around game in this one. Edwards’ 19 points and 10 boards were good enough for his first double-double of his young NBA career. Edwards was an uber efficient 9-of-11 on the game before a late flurry of misses at the rim in the fourth quarter. Edwards’ defensive tenacity and activity were once again a bright spot in his game as he played thief to the tune of five steals.

Guerschon Yabusele: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 8-of-15 from the field

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Yabusele turned in one of his better performances of late pouring in 23 points. Yabu got it going early from the outside knocking down two early three-pointers to spark what would be a good game for himself. Yabusele threw down a pair of dunks as well continuing to showcase his ability to play well above the rim. He continues to show why he is a piece that the Sixers should prioritize retaining in the offseason as he is set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer.