The Miami Heat just couldn’t hang on for Game 3.
Joel Embiid made his return tonight and the Miami Heat were not ready.
After a hard-fought Game 2 win in Philadelphia led by Dwyane Wade, the Heat returned home for Game 3. Tonight, there was no hero ball by Wade sadly, and the Sixers took a 2-1 series lead after an 128-108 win.
Goran Dragic was the scoring leader for the Heat, totaling 23 points and eight assists. After battling through the first quarter, the Heat exchanged baskets evenly with the Sixers in the second.
In the second half, the third quarter served as an extension of the second. However, early in the fourth, the Sixers got some of their momentum back taking a ten point lead with about nine minutes left in the game. That momentum never really left, and the Heat did not have any answers.
It becomes clearer with every minute in this series that there is hostility between these two teams. Early in the second quarter, Wade and Justin Anderson both received technicals.
Then in the third, Dragic and Marco Belinelli received the same. This is expected to continue, especially since Embiid is back in this series.
X-Factors: Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow
Although Dragic was key in scoring, Richardson and Winslow were efficient during their time in the game. Finishing with a combined 33 points, shooting 8-for-13 from behind the arc, both Richardson and Winslow tried to give the Heat momentum and versatility when they needed it most.
In the fourth quarter, Richardson hit two 3’s and did his best to get the Heat back in the game; but it was not enough. Even though this game did end in a loss, it should be encouraging for fans to see these two young players stepping up in playoff games.
Keys to Game 4
Whiteside is due for a big game, and when better than during a Game 4 at home that could even the series again? He had just five points and two rebounds in Game 3, but sat for a lot of the first half because of foul trouble.
Whiteside was not the only one with fouls however, as the Heat racked up 30 fouls — something both teams have been struggling with this series.
With Embiid back, the Heat will have to adjust to a larger presence in the paint. This goes back to Whiteside, who has to be more engaged if the Heat are going to stick around with this versatile Sixers team.
Next: Miami Heat: Justise Winslow versus Ben Simmons validates team's faith?
Saturday cannot come soon enough.