Paul George scores 39 points in the 76ers' 153-151 win over the Wizards

WASHINGTON (AP) — Paul George scored a season-high 39 points and the Philadelphia 76ers overcame Joel Embiid’s absence because of an illness in a 153-131 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

George played his fourth game following 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.

Tyrese Maxey added 28 points and nine assists in his third game back from a finger injury, and rookie VJ Edgecombe had 23 points and 10 assists.

Philadelphia’s starters combined to shoot 45 of 65 from the floor (69.2%) and helped score 47 third-quarter points, the second-most Washington allowed in any period this season.

Anthony Gill scored a career-best 21 points for the Wizards. They have lost four in a row and 20 of 21.

After a first half with five ties and four lead changes, the 76ers pulled away with a 24-4 run early in the third quarter.

Philadelphia topped 150 points for the second straight Wednesday after beating Chicago 157-137 at home a week ago. The 76ers swept the four-game season series and are 11-1 in their last 12 against Washington.