Russell scores 22 points as Nets beat 76ers 100-96

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Brooklyn Nets’ D’Angelo Russell (1) shoots over Philadelphia 76ers’ Jared Butler (12) and Paul George (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Adem Bona (30) defends Brooklyn Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Brooklyn Nets’ Jalen Wilson (22) passes the ball to a teammate during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts as Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton (33) celebrates after a defensive stop during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Brooklyn Nets’ Jalen Wilson (22) shoots over Philadelphia 76ers’ Quintin Grimes (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Jared Butler (12) drives past Brooklyn Nets’ Tosan Evbuomwan (12) and Tosan Evbuomwan (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) dunks the ball in front of Brooklyn Nets’ Tosan Evbuomwan (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Jeff Dowtin Jr. (11) shoots over Brooklyn Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe (20) as Andre Drummond (1) watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Jared Butler (12) shoots over Brooklyn Nets’ Tyrese Martin (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Andre Drummond (5) drives past Brooklyn Nets’ Ziaire Williams (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Justin Edwards (19) drives past Brooklyn Nets’ D’Angelo Russell during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) drives past Brooklyn Nets’ Ziaire Williams (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

By PAT PICKENS

NEW YORK (AP) — D’Angelo Russell had 22 points, five rebounds and four assists, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 100-96 on Wednesday night in the teams’ last game before the All-Star break.

Nic Claxton had 13 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, and Cam Johnson added 16 points and six rebounds. Trendon Watford scored 18 points off the bench for Brooklyn, which won its third straight.

Quentin Grimes had 30 points and eight rebounds, and Kelly Oubre Jr. also scored 30 for Philadelphia, which lost its fifth straight and seventh in its last eight. The 76ers were playing without stars Joel Embiid (left knee) and Tyrese Maxey (right ankle sprain).

Takeaways

76ers: Philadelphia, 25th in scoring (109.4 points per game), again struggled offensively by shooting 43.2% from the field and 24% (8 for 33) on 3-pointers. Forward Paul George had two points, which tied his season low and was well below his season scoring average (16.6).

Nets: Brooklyn closed its roller-coaster first half on the upswing by getting its sixth win in seven games, keyed by Russell’s ultra-efficient performance. He made his first five shots, scored 14 first-quarter points and finished 9 for 15 from the field.

Key moment

After trailing by 11 in the second quarter, the 76ers closed the half with a 7-0 run that bulged to 16-4 and put them ahead 58-57 early in the third. Brooklyn quickly answered with a 12-2 run, keyed by Watford’s six points, and outscored Philadelphia 19-8 over the final 7:34 and did not trail again.

Key stat

The Nets have allowed fewer than 100 points in each of their past six wins.

Up next

The 76ers host Boston on Feb. 20, and Nets host Cleveland.

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AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA