Philadelphia 76ers complete thrilling 14-point comeback vs Heat to secure 7th seed
Joel Embiid underscored Philadelphia's perennial playoff potential, demonstrating his pivotal role with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and a crucial assist to Kelly Oubre Jr. for a decisive three-point play.
This propelled the 76ers to a 105-104 victory over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on Wednesday. Securing the No. 7 seed, Philadelphia now sets its sights on a first-round clash with the second-seeded New York Knicks. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
The Heat, who made an impressive leap from the play-in tournament to the NBA Finals last year, are poised to host the victor of the evening's late play-in contest between Chicago and Atlanta on Friday. The triumphant team will clinch the No. 8 seed.
Embiid surged into action after a subdued performance late in the fourth quarter, single-handedly rallying the Sixers from a 14-point deficit in the second half. Despite missing 43 games this season, Embiid's impact was undeniable, even as Nicolas Batum and Buddy Hield unexpectedly ignited the 76ers' offense in the latter half. Batum notably contributed 20 points to the cause.
Nicolas Batum and Joel Embiid rally Philadelphia 76ers 14-point comeback
Embiid sealed a critical go-ahead moment with a 3-pointer from beyond the arc at the top with 2:33 remaining, propelling the Sixers to a 93-91 lead.
Despite a momentary setback as the Sixers relinquished the lead, Embiid once again displayed his clutch prowess, converting a pivotal three-point play to reclaim a 96-94 advantage.
With the score deadlocked at 96-all, Miami's Tyler Herro was penalized for a backcourt violation. Embiid swiftly fed the ball to Kelly Oubre beneath the basket, resulting in a crucial bucket, a successful free throw and a 99-96 lead that the Sixers staunchly defended.
Herro, who delivered a clutch 3-pointer in the final second before the 76ers lost possession as time expired, concluded the game with 25 points. Jimmy Butler, potentially hampered by a first-half knee ailment, contributed 19 points.