Paul George Wins with 39 Points in 76ers' 153-131 Victory

Paul George scored a season-high 39 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 153-131 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

The 76ers overcame Joel Embiid's absence due to illness, with George playing his fourth game after a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug rules.

He was 15 of 22 from the field, made 6 of 12 3-pointers, and had six assists and five rebounds.

George's performance helped the 76ers move into sixth place in the Eastern Conference, matching Toronto at 42-34 but holding the tiebreaker.

The 76ers' starters combined to shoot 45 of 65 from the floor, or 69.2%, and helped score 47 third-quarter points.

The 76ers will host Minnesota on Friday night, while the Wizards will play at Miami on Saturday.

Tyrese Maxey added 28 points and nine assists in his third game back from a finger injury.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe had 23 points and 10 assists for the 76ers.

Anthony Gill scored a career-best 21 points for the Wizards, who fell into last place in the NBA.

The 76ers swept the four-game season series and are 11-1 in their last 12 against Washington.

The 76ers topped 150 points for the second straight Wednesday, after beating Chicago 157-137 at home a week ago.

Paul George's 39 points were the most he has scored in a game this season.

The 76ers' win marked their second straight game with over 150 points.

The Wizards have lost four in a row and 20 of 21 games.