What had been a 24-point deficit in the third quarter turned into a one-point game with seconds to play.
The Sixers fought back against the Wizards Thursday night, but the playoff-hungry visitors fended off a late push to escape with a 99-94 win.
Turning point
The Sixers trailed the Wizards 82-69 with 7:41 remaining, but then went on a 13-0 run to tie the game with with 5:19 left. Isaiah Canaan and Jerami Grant combined for nine points off free throws during that spurt.
However, the Wizards went back up by four and managed to keep the Sixers at bay. Grant missed a pair of free throws that could have given the Sixers the lead with 26.7 seconds to play.
The Wizards outscored the Sixers 9-5 from then on to secure the victory.
Inside the box score
Ish Smith led the Sixers with 20 points (9 for 25 from the field), seven assists, two rebounds and three steals. Nerlens Noel grabbed a season-high 16 rebounds and had a career-high seven steals. He also scored 14 points (7 for 11 from the field).
NBA
John Wall recorded a second consecutive triple-double with 16 points (4 for 17 from the field, 8 for 8 from the line), 13 rebounds and 14 assists. His 12 assists in the first half were a record for the Wells Fargo Center.
Marcin Gortat had a double-double with 16 points (8 for 10 from the floor) and 13 rebounds.
Grant returns
Grant played his first game since suffering a concussion last Friday against the Nets. He returned with high energy, attacking the basket without hesitation. Grant started and recorded 13 points (9 for 14 from the line), five rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes.
Morris ejected
Markieff Morris was ejected after being whistled for a flagrant 2 foul against Canaan. With six minutes to go in the fourth, Canaan attempted a driving layup, was fouled by Morris and hit the ground under the basket. He was attended to by the Sixers' trainer and stayed in the game.
Up next
The Sixers are back in action Friday at home against the Thunder in the second of a back-to-back set.