The Miami Heat led Saturday’s game by double digits at many points, but at the end of this one, they found themselves down by double digits, stunned by Joel Embiid. Miami isn’t the first, just one team in a long list of teams Embiid has terrorized on his 12-game tear in which he has put up 31.8 points per game heading into this one. The Heat, even after neutralizing him in the first half, were ousted in the second half by Embiid and the Sixers 109-98.
Strong Start
The Heat started this game out well, and by the end of the first, they seemed like they would pull away. To the credit of the Heat, they kept Embiid in check, thanks in part to Omer Yurtseven, who ended the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Then, the Sixers cut the lead to seven at the half. After the half, the Sixers fought their way back to tie the game up at 70. The Heat trailed 75-73 after three quarters.
Sixers Pull Away
In the fourth quarter, Joel Embiid showed his worth countless times. Embiid brought the Sixers lead up to four after making a 21-footer. A minute later, though, Yurtseven responded with a jam off of an oop from Tyler Herro; the Sixers’ advantage was just three. Herro would end up with 16 points and three assists. Shortly thereafter, Embiid would score seven points in only two minutes. Finally, after Embiid hit a fadeaway to make it 98-89 with 3:42 left, the Sixers almost seemed to feel bad for the Heat, and they called timeout. When the final horn sounded, the Sixers had come away with a crushing win over the Miami Heat.
Postgame Comments
Shaquille O’Neal was in the house Saturday night, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra cracked a joke bringing light to the poor free-throw shooting. “Maybe we should have invited Shaq to a different game”.
Also, Jimmy Butler would speak on the rough night the Heat had when it came to making baskets. Butler said that “You’re not going to make shots every night. But I don’t think myself or anybody else missing shots is going to break us in any way. I think if we guard a little bit better, lock in on that side of the floor, we’ll always give ourselves a chance to win.”
What’s Next?
The Heat will look to bounce back at home on Monday against the Raptors. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM EST.
(Featured image by Al Diaz/Miami Herald)