Despite the absence of former Sixers Nerlens Noel and Ersan Ilyasova in the Philadelphia 76ers’ rotation Friday, multiple Sixers (22-35) stepped up against the visiting Washington Wizards (34-22). In the 120-112 triumph over the playoff-contending adversaries, it was the starting forwards who were the needed catalysts against the talent-laden backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal.
A void behind rookie Dario Saric in the rotation, a theme heading into the contest, the evolving talent wasn’t phased by the added workload. It was a different scene for Saric to play almost through the first 11 minutes of the game consecutively, but the boost in minutes assuredly will prove beneficial.