PHILADELPHIA -- John Wall's latest triple-double wasn't as pretty as the previous one.

When the final buzzer sounded, though, Wall still led the Washington Wizards to another crucial victory. And that is what matters the most down the stretch of an 82-game season.

Wall had 16 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds, while Marcus Thornton scored 18 points as the Wizards stayed afloat for a potential playoff berth following a 99-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

"Turnovers and missing easy shots," Wall said. "It's frustrating. But as long as we got the win."

Marcin Gortat scored 16 points and swept 13 rebounds, and Otto Porter Jr. added 12 points for the Wizards, who won their third in a row. Nene grabbed 11 rebounds.

Washington (33-35) trails the Chicago Bulls by 1 1/2 games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Pistons are a half-game behind the Bulls.

The Wizards swept the four-game season series from Philadelphia and won for the sixth straight time over the 76ers. Yet the victory didn't come in easy fashion.

"When we play them, most teams quit, fold," Wall said. "Their team, they keep fighting."

That message was relayed to the players more than once.

"These are lessons that need to be learned," Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. "I never apologize for a win, and I won't give it back. Until we understand in this league that no game is safe at halftime, we're going to have inconsistencies we've had this year. I tried to tell them at halftime. They play, they play and they keep playing."

Wall was spectacular in the Wizards' previous game, a 117-96 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The All-Star guard registered his third triple-double of the season with 29 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

Make it four now.

Wall wasn't outstanding, as he shot 4-for-17 and committed nine turnovers, but he was more than effective against the 76ers, setting a floor record for most assists in any half with 12 in the first half. The arena opened in 1996.

The short-handed 76ers played without Jahlil Okafor -- who needs knee surgery and is out for the season -- Robert Covington (concussion protocol), and Richaun Holmes (right Achilles tendon strain). Losing three forwards severely depleted their depth, and that was an issue before the injuries began to develop.

Ish Smith led the 76ers with 20 points, while Isaiah Canaan and Hollis Thompson added 15 apiece. Nerlens Noel had 14 points, 16 rebounds and a career-best seven steals. Jerami Grant contributed 13 points.

"I thought our defense came around," Noel said. "We put our foot down defensively, and that starts with me. We played a lot better defensively in the second half."

Philadelphia (9-59) was an abysmal 6-for-33 from 3-point range but stayed within striking distance thanks to 23 turnovers by the Wizards.

"We had a dispirited first half and then found life," Sixers coach Brett Brown said.

The 76ers closed within 82-76 with 6:21 remaining after a layup by Canaan. On Philadelphia's next possession, Canaan was fouled hard by Markieff Morris, who was whistled for a Flagrant 2 and an automatic ejection. Canaan hit both free throws, and Grant followed with two free throws to close the gap to 82-80.

Thompson then picked up an offensive rebound after a miss by Canaan and tied the game at 82.

The Wizards responded with a pair of jumpers by Thornton and then a clutch steal by Wall and an assist that led to a dunk by Temple for an 88-84 advantage with 3:17 remaining.

"If you want to reach the next levels, you have to be more professional in finishing off a game," Wittman said.

The 76ers actually had a chance to take a late lead, but Grant missed two free throws with 26.7 seconds left.

Thornton knocked down one of two free throws, and Wall hit two clutch free throws for a 93-89 advantage and ultimately a victory.

"I'm proud of their fight," Brown said. "We did fight back. It turned into a game we could have stolen."

Noel added, "It's been a little difficult with all the different lineups. That's not an excuse."

Early on, there wasn't much to cheer about from the home team as the Wizards took control from the opening tip.

Washington shot 53 percent from the field in the first half on its way to a 58-39 lead. After pulling ahead by eight points after the first quarter, the Wizards turned up their defensive pressure and extended their lead to 19 at the break.

The 76ers were just 2-for-19 from 3-point territory in the first half.

NOTES: Wizards G Bradley Beal (pelvic sprain) and G/F Alan Anderson (left ankle) were both inactive. ... 76ers coach Brett Brown, on his goal for the rest of the season: "What I want to do in the 15 games remaining is play better defense." ... 76ers G T.J. McConnell entered the game with 81 steals and he became the first rookie this season to reach at least 80. McConnell is the 11th rookie in 76ers history to record at least 80 steals in a single season. ... Wizards C Marcin Gortat was plugged into the starting lineup despite a sore lower back. ... The 76ers unveiled their 32nd different starting lineup this season.