Sixers Top Heat for 2-1 Series Lead
SteemSports Presenter: @dwin0603
SteemSports Editor: @theprophet0
Joel Embiid posted 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, including three triples in his playoffs debut leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 128-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series. Returning from an injury, Joel needed to wear a mask and a goggles to protect his orbital bone around his left eye. Ben Simmons had a brilliant night once again being the leader of the team as he recorded 19 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Marco Belinelli did his job and hit four three-pointers. He finished the game with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. Forward Dario Saric added 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. He also made four three-pointers. Robert Covington played great defense contributing 11 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, and a block, while JJ Redick had 10 points and 3 assists.
Justice Winslow led Miami with a double-double, 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block including four three-pointers. Goran Dragic added 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists while Josh Richardson had 14 points and 2 steals. Richardson also made four 3s. James Johnson finished the game with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Hassan Whiteside has been ineffective as he finished the game with only 5 points and 1 block. Whiteside only played 13 minutes. Dwayne Wade, who was spectacular in Game 2, shot only 2 for 10 with only 8 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists.
Philadelphia took control of the game in the opening period. They started with a 15-3 run in the first quarter to take a 32-21 lead, but the Heat immediately answered and decreased the deficit to four to end the first period. It was a very physical game on both ends. There were 31 fouls and 4 technical fouls called in the first half alone. At the end of the game, Miami had a total of 30 fouls while the Sixers got 26 total fouls. Both teams received 3 technical fouls each. It was a close fight in the first half. There were 14 lead changes and 9 ties at the half where the Heat took a 64-63 lead going into the break, but the Sixers pulled away after halftime. Joel Embiid had himself a good fourth quarter as he went on a 7-0 run to help Philly extend their lead to 14. Miami had no answer against Joel Embiid, and the Sixers took away Game 3.
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Wow, that's great new.
Your every post is very good.
Simmons has really impressed me in this series. Not sure if the Heat will get another win or not, could see the Sixers winning the next two and closing it out.