3 observations after Dowtin's career-high performance leads Sixers over Wizards

Sixers Snap Losing Streak with Big Win Over Wizards

The Philadelphia 76ers had a night to remember as they ended their 12-game losing streak with a 122-103 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena, in their final road game of the season.

Jeff Dowtin Jr. was the standout performer, scoring a career-high 30 points, while Lonnie Walker IV added 24 for the Sixers. On the Wizards' side, Tristan Vukcevic led the team with 24 points, as they fell to a 17-63 record.

Despite the win, the Sixers are still dealing with a heavy injury toll. Justin Edwards (bruised rib) remained sidelined, and Tyrese Maxey (sprained right finger) was officially ruled out for the rest of the season before the game. Alex Reese also left the court in the fourth quarter with a right Achilles strain and did not return.

Now sitting at 24-56, the Sixers will host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Here are some key takeaways from their win over the Wizards:

Bona Starts Strong in Matchup with Sarr

Adem Bona helped the Sixers get off to a hot start, throwing down two quick dunks alongside two three-pointers from Walker to give Philly an early 10-2 lead. With his powerful frame and high-flying ability, Bona proved to be a major threat in the pick-and-roll game.

He finished the first quarter with nine points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting performance and played tough defense against top draft prospect Alex Sarr, contesting shots without fouling. Bona continued his streak of at least one block in 14 straight games with two more on Wednesday.

Dowtin Erupts – Career Night for the Guard

Jeff Dowtin Jr., a late-season mainstay in the Sixers' rotation, caught fire in the second and third quarters. After a quiet first half, he dropped 11 points in the second quarter and exploded for another 11 points in just 85 seconds during the third. He capped off the stretch with a deep, heat-check three-pointer that sent the Sixers' bench into celebration.

Dowtin was electric and confident, acting as the focal point of the Sixers' offense and making a strong case for his future in the league.

Tasting Victory Again After Three Weeks

Desperate for their first win in over three weeks, the Sixers entered the fourth quarter with an 89-79 lead and never looked back. Their zone defense was effective early in the final period, and Dowtin remained the offensive engine, reaching a new career-high with a smooth midrange jumper.

Walker also continued to score steadily. His 53 points over the last two games show his determination to prove he deserves a stable role in the NBA.

In the end, the Sixers didn’t have to sweat out the final minutes. They pulled away from the Wizards and, for the first time in what felt like forever, looked like the more confident team. Their nightmare season won’t end with a 15-game losing streak, and that’s a victory in itself.

Up Next: The Sixers will host the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night (April 11, 2025).