Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) walks across the court during a time out in the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference final against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The 76ers defeat the Heat, securing a spot in the playoffs and setting up a matchup against the Knicks.
The Philadelphia 76ers secured a spot in the NBA playoffs with a hard-fought victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Despite facing a 13-point deficit in the second half, the Sixers rallied to claim a 105-104 win in the 7-8 game of the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. As a result, the Sixers will enter the postseason as the 7-seed, while the Heat face uncertainties about their future.
In the first half, Philadelphia struggled to solve Miami’s defensive strategy, particularly their 2-3 zone. Despite Miami missing key players like Bam Adebayo due to foul trouble and Jimmy Butler dealing with a knee injury, the Sixers found themselves trailing 51-39 at halftime. Philadelphia’s shooting woes, combined with turnovers, contributed to their deficit, while Miami’s defense stifled their offense.
However, midway through the third quarter, the Sixers began to show signs of life, sparked by an unusual incentive involving free food for fans. After Caleb Martin missed consecutive free throws, triggering the promotion, the Sixers embarked on an 8-0 run, narrowing the gap to three points.
Throughout the remainder of the game, Miami consistently thwarted Philadelphia’s attempts to seize the lead, responding with crucial baskets and defensive stops whenever the Sixers threatened. Despite the Sixers eventually tying the score, they struggled to pull ahead.
Nevertheless, with just under nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Joel Embiid found Nic Batum open on the wing for a crucial three-pointer, providing the breakthrough moment for the Sixers.
