Embiid's return drives the Sixers to victory over the Heat

The Miami Heat defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the previous two Conference Semifinal games, winning 106-92 in Game 1 and 119-103 in Game 2.

The Sixers were able to turn the position and lead the Heat 99-79 in Game 3 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Sixers' win was inextricably linked to Joel Embiid's performance as a power forward and team center.

Embiid ended the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist while wearing a grey mask. Embiid's score was enough to lift the Sixers to victory and make the series even more intriguing.

Embiid returns after injury

Due to a concussion and an orbital fracture near his right eye, Embiid missed the opening two games versus the Heat. After a 15-minute pre-game warm-up, Embiid was given permission to return to the game.

Embiid is wearing the mask for the second time in the playoffs after returning from injury. In the 2018 playoffs, he also wore a mask against the Boston Celtics.

This mask is distinguished from the preceding mask by the presence of a goggle-like covering over his eyes.

The guy who has won the All-Star award five times has movement limitations as a result of the concussion he experienced. For the past few days, Embiid's illness has prevented him from performing at his peak.

Statistically, Embiid didn't commit many fouls in the first half. Embiid's presence combined with the strong game of James Harden, and Danny Green was able to make the Sixers' performance increase sharply.

Game 3 overview

The Sixers team members are back intact and increase their chances of changing conditions within the team. The Sixers' defensive side strengthened again and was able to push the team to a meaningful victory.

Green scored 21 points on 7 3-pointers in the contest. Tyres Maxey had 21 points and six assists, and James Harden had 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Some of these names had an important role in the Sixers' victory over the Heat.

However, with the return of point guard Kyle Lowry, the Heat appeared to be a stronger team in this encounter. Lowry had missed the previous four games.

Lowry, in fact, had no points on 0-for-4 shooting and only three assists. Some speculated that this was related to an unresolved hamstring ailment.

The first half result was the second-lowest of the season, as the Heat attempted to break through the Sixers’ defense. Since 2013, the Heat haven't scored as many goals in the playoffs as they have in the regular season.

For the Heat, Jimmy Butler is the lone player with 33 points, while Tyler Herro has only 14. Bam Adebayo just went 2-for-9 with 9 points after scoring 47 points in the first game.

The Heat extended their run early in the third quarter to tie the game at 51-50, but the Sixers always replaced them. In the fourth quarter, the Heat was only down 68-65, but the Sixers dominated with 31-14 points.

The Heat is still leading with a 2-1 score, meaning they have three more chances to play at home. While the Sixers are down 2-0, they remain committed to making the playoffs.