WATCH: Wells Fargo Center roars as Caleb Martin's missed free throws score 20,000 fans free chicken in Heat vs 76ers
In the highly anticipated Eastern Conference NBA Play-In showdown featuring the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat, the 76ers, playing at home, struggled with a lackluster start in their quest to secure a playoff spot. However, a pivotal moment in the third quarter ignited a shift in momentum for the team.
At the 7:01 minute mark of the third quarter, Tyler Herro grabbed the defensive rebound between Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tobias Harris. He swiftly passed it ahead to Caleb Martin, who found himself open for a transition opportunity.
Despite the 76ers' efforts, they failed to properly mark him, enabling Martin to charge towards the paint unchecked. With Joel Embiid attempting to defend, Martin drove with determination, leaving Embiid no choice but to foul him in his attempt to contest the shot.
Martin had the opportunity to extend Miami's lead to 13 points with two free throws after the Heat held a 59-48 advantage. However, his first attempt rimmed out, sparking excitement among the Wells Fargo Center crowd, who anticipated free chicken with a missed second free throw.
Martin's second free throw fell significantly short, delighting Philadelphia fans as the 76ers secured the defensive rebound and swiftly advanced the ball. This momentum shift culminated in a Nic Batum 3-pointer, igniting the crowd and narrowing what could have been a 13-point deficit to just eight points.
The free chicken offer is part of a promotional campaign by Chick-fil-A, in collaboration with the NBA. As per the NBA's website,
"The day after an opposing player misses two consecutive free-throw attempts in the second half of a 76ers home game, fans may receive Chick-fil-A Nuggets ranging from 5-count, 8-count, or 12-count through the Chick-fil-A App, at participating Greater Philadelphia area Chick-fil-A locations (no purchase necessary). ...Whether you’re cheering in-arena or at home, the offer is available to all fans in-market!”
Philadelphia 76ers turned the game around after crowd got into the game
After losing both the initial quarters of the game, 23-22 in the first period and 28-17 in the second, Philadelphia turned the script in the third quarter to outscore the Heat 30-23 and continued their second half's dominance in the fourth with a 36-30 run.
The 76ers secured the seventh seed at home, upsetting the formidable Miami Heat 105-104. They could do this with stellar defense, containing the Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo duo to a combined 29 points.
Joel Embiid ended the night with 23 points, 15 rebounds and five assists with three turnovers, while Nicolas Batum contributed 20 points with five rebounds on six 3-pointers made at 60.0% shooting and 7-of-12 from the field at 58.3%.
Tyler Herro had a game-high 25 points in the loss on an inefficient shooting night, going 9 of 27 from the field at 33.3%, including 4-of-14 from beyond the arc at 28.6%.
The Philadelphia Sixers will play on the road against the second-seeded New York Knicks, while the Heat will have another shot to secure the playoffs against the winner of the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks Play-In matchup.