Washington D.C. — The Philadelphia 76ers proved once again why resilience defines champions. Despite trailing by 16 points entering the fourth quarter — and with superstar Joel Embiid resting on the bench — the Sixers roared back to defeat the Washington Wizards 139–134 in overtime, improving their record to a perfect 4–0.

At the heart of the comeback was Tyrese Maxey, who delivered a career-defining performance with 39 points and 10 assists, carrying the team on both ends of the floor when it mattered most.

“I just tried to stay aggressive,” Maxey said postgame. “We trust each other, and tonight, everyone stepped up — especially Adem.”

Indeed, it was rookie Adem Bona who turned the game around late, registering four crucial blocks in the fourth quarter and another in overtime, including one that sealed the victory. His defensive intensity shifted the momentum, as the Wizards, who had piled up 110 points through three quarters, were held to just 16 in the fourth.

The Turning Point

The Wizards, led by Alex Sarr , appeared unstoppable early, building a 19-point lead behind his 31-point effort. Khris Middleton and Kyshawn George both chipped in clutch baskets, with George’s late three-pointer giving Washington a 135–134 edge with just seven seconds left in overtime.

But Maxey remained unshaken, sinking two free throws to reclaim the lead, while Middleton’s final pass into heavy traffic was intercepted — a symbol of how the Wizards’ composure collapsed under pressure.

The Sixers’ energy in the extra period was palpable. Bona’s follow-up dunk with 27.6 seconds remaining electrified the bench, and the defense locked in to close out the game.

Embiid’s Limited Minutes, Big Impact

Even with Joel Embiid playing only 23 minutes as part of the team’s load management plan, his first-half dominance (18 of his 25 points before the break) kept Philadelphia within striking distance. Head coach Nick Nurse emphasized that the team’s long-term focus remains health and balance.

“We’re managing Joel’s minutes carefully,” Nurse said. “But the guys know how to respond. Tyrese and Adem took ownership tonight.”

Forward Trendon Watford, returning from a hamstring injury, made his season debut for the 76ers, scoring two points in 18 minutes.

Wizards’ Collapse Raises Questions

The Wizards, now facing an early-season identity crisis, saw eight players in double figures by the third quarter — only to fall apart when it mattered most. Their inability to close out games has become a recurring issue, and Tuesday’s collapse will sting, especially given how well they played through three quarters.

With Khris Middleton missing a potential game-winner and the team conceding a 9–0 run in overtime, Washington squandered a golden opportunity to hand Philadelphia its first loss.

What’s Next

The 76ers will now prepare for a high-stakes matchup against the Boston Celtics on Friday — a battle that could hint at early Eastern Conference supremacy. The Wizards, meanwhile, travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, hoping to bounce back from what may go down as one of their most frustrating losses of the season.

“This one hurts,” Wizards coach said after the game. “But it’s early. We’ve got to learn how to finish.”

Philadelphia fans, however, have plenty to smile about. A team that once leaned heavily on Embiid now looks deeper, tougher, and more confident — thanks to a young guard who’s quickly proving he’s ready for the spotlight.

For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com