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John Wall's triple-double leads Wizards by 76ers


WASHINGTON (AP) — John Wall had his fourth career triple-double with 18 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and 10 assists, leading the Washington Wizards over the Philadelphia 76ers 106-94 Friday night.

Marcin Gortat had 21 points and had 13 rebounds for the Wizards, who had lost five of their previous six. Bradley Beal scored 22 in his first start since Dec. 9.

Ish Smith, cut by Washington during training camp, led Philadelphia with 22 points. Smith, playing for his ninth NBA team in just six seasons, scored 14 points in the third quarter.

The Wizards never trailed and thanks to their highest scoring first quarter of the season, raced to a 38-18 lead.

By midway in the third quarter, they led 76-51. The 76ers cut the lead to 92-83 with 6:12 to play, but made no further headway.

Philadelphia, which narrowly lost to Golden State last Saturday, fell for the fourth straight time. They're now 7-43.

RESCHEDULED: Washington's snowed-out game on Jan. 23 against Utah has been rescheduled for Feb. 18. The Wizards and Jazz will have a day shaved from their All-Star break.

Washington will now play home games on consecutive nights and Utah must return home to play Boston the next night.

FAST WALL: Philadelphia coach Brett Brown has watched Wall mature.

"John Wall is the fastest guard in the NBA to me," Brown said. "You learn how to drive your Maserati better."

TIP-INS: 76ers — F Richaun Holmes missed the game with a sprained right ankle. ... Brown is looking forward to part of his All-Star break. He'll take his family to see Bruce Springsteen at the Wells Fargo Center. His favorite Springsteen song? "Badlands."

Wizards — F/C Nene was out with a strained left calf. ... Coach Randy Wittman returned after missing two games to attend the funeral of his brother in Indiana.

UP NEXT: 76ers host Brooklyn on Saturday. Wizards visit Charlotte on Saturday.

GALLERY: NBA PHOTO OF THE DAY