Ben Simmons has posted an NBA career-high 31 points and 18 rebounds to lead Philadelphia to a 118-113 win over Washington.
The Australian rookie top-scored but also performed poorly at the free throw line and the visiting Wizards deliberately fouled him as they rallied late in the game.
He made just 15 of his 29 free throw shots, having entered the game with a 56.6 per cent record from the line.
Joel Embiid had 25 points and 14 rebounds and Dario Saric added 24 points to help the 76ers (12-8) win for the sixth time in their past eight games.
Kelly Oubre Jr scored 22 points and Bradley Beal and Jodie Meeks each had 21 for Washington (11-10), who have lost five of their past seven and were without injured star John Wall.
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They nearly overcame a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter and spent the final five minutes intentionally fouling Simmons, using the tactic made famous against NBA great Shaquille O'Neal due to his free-throw weakness.
It was 96-88 when Washington began to send Simmons to the foul line. He missed four of eight as Philadelphia's lead dwindled to 100-97 with 3:35 to go.
Elsewhere, James Harden had 29 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as Houston rolled past Indiana 118-97 for their sixth straight victory.
The Rockets went on a 16-4 run that made it 110-88 with about four minutes left as the Pacers missed numerous shots.
After struggling from long range all night, Stephen Curry hit two quick 3-pointers to open overtime for Golden State to outlast Los Angeles 127-123 in LA, the victory preventing the Warriors losing two straight for the first time this season.
Kevin Durant led Golden State with 29 points, while Curry added 28 and Klay Thompson 20.
In San Antonio, LaMarcus Aldridge set the Spurs high with 41 points in their 104-95 win over a depleted Memphis.
It was the Grizzlies' ninth straight loss, while San Antonio are the first NBA team with 10 home wins this season.
Aaron Gordon had 40 points and 15 rebounds to help Orlando end a nine-game losing streak with a 121-108 victory over struggling Oklahoma City.
Russell Westbrook hit five 3-pointers and scored 20 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter for the Thunder.
Andrew Wiggins scored 28 to help Minnesota beat New Orleans 120-102 as Pelicans forward Anthony Davis ejected for the first time in his career.
Enes Kanter had 22 points and 14 rebounds as New York beat Miami 115-86, while Reggie Jackson scored 23 points as Detroit downed Phoenix 131-107 for their third straight victory.
Kyle Lowry scored a season-high 36 points as the Raptors beat Charlotte 126-113 and Brooklyn dispensed with Dallas 109-104.
