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Sixers earned the respect of Beal and the Wizards

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal says his team didn't give the 76ers the respect they deserved and in doing so, lost a 120-112 decision in the first game back from the all-star break for both teams.

The Wizards (34-22) had won 15 of their previous 17 games and despite getting 69 points from Beal and backcourt mate John Wall, it wasn't enough to beat the Sixers.

"First game back (from the all star break) and we had some terrible energy, terrible focus and kind of disrespected them a bit and they kicked our butt," said Beal who scored 40 points, two shy of his career high. That's plain and simple, you got to credit them. We didn't come out with focus and energy."

The Sixers (22-35) obviously earned the respect of the Wizards.

"When you score 112 points on the road that should always be enough to win," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. "Give them credit they outplayed us."

Beal, who had 36 of his points in the first three quarters, said the Sixers were relentless with their hustle and intensity.

"Throughout the whole game they are all over the place," Beal said. "They are active on defense, they picked us up anytime we took the ball out and applied pressure."

The Sixers (22-35) also applied pressure when their were on offense, with seven double-figure scorers, led by Robert Covington's 25 points and 11 rebounds and Dario Saric's 20 points and 11 boards.

The Sixers continually had success taking the ball to the basket.

"They were driving the lane, and hitting driving layups," Beal said. "That is just a pride thing, guards have to get in their stance and play some defense."