76ERS 103, CAVALIERS 87: Jrue Holiday made a career-high six 3-pointers and Philadelphia scored 19 consecutive points in the third quarter for a much-needed victory.

The reeling 76ers had lost three straight and seven of nine in April, but the victory combined with Milwaukee’s surprising loss to Washington on Wednesday gives the 76ers a 2 1/2 game lead over the Bucks for the final playoff spot in the East.

Holiday sat the fourth quarter after scoring 24 points and making all six of his 3-point attempts. He made four of them during the decisive stretch in the third quarter, when the 76ers outscored the Cavaliers 24-2 to take an 81-59 lead.

Andre Iguodala had 19 points and 13 rebounds for the 76ers, who began a stretch Wednesday of five road games to close the season.

Samardo Samuels and Luke Hudson each had 15 points for the Cavaliers, who have lost 18 of 22, while Kyrie Irving returned after missing 10 games with a sprained right shoulder to finish with nine points and four assists in 19 minutes.

GAME NOTEBOOK: This was Philadelphia’s third game in as many nights. … Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao will have his fractured right wrist examined by team doctors on Thursday, after which the team will decide whether or not to shut him down for the final week. … Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young each had 12 points for the 76ers. … Tristan Thompson had 12 points and five rebounds for the Cavaliers.