The Philadelphia 76ers have secured the penultimate playoff spot in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NBA). In a game that was exciting right up to the last second, the 76ers won 105:104 against last year’s finalists Miami Heat on Wednesday evening (local time). Miami has another chance to qualify for the play-offs in the play-in tournament on Friday and will then face the Chicago Bulls.
Reuters/USA TODAY Sports/Bill Streicher
However, the team will probably have to do without its star Jimmy Butler, who injured his knee. For the Atlanta Hawks, the season is over after the 116:131 win against the Bulls. The 76ers will now face the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
Miami gives up victory
Miami had built a double-digit lead at halftime in Philadelphia, but then completely lost control of the game in the final quarter. Joel Embiid made it 96:96 with a strong pass and then enabled his teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. to make a layup plus a free throw. The 76ers never gave up their lead with 36 seconds left. Embiid finished the game with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists.
Tyler Herro’s 25 points for the Miami Heat were not enough in the end. It was initially unclear whether Butler would be able to play against the Bulls on Friday. He said he needed an MRI and the knee didn’t feel good. The winner of the game will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
The Heat are now facing a team that easily beat the Hawks. Chicago pulled ahead by more than 15 points in the first quarter. Coby White scored 42 points, more than ever before in his career.
More in addition to the National Basketball Association
