“I think I looked a little too hard for Joel (Embiid) at the beginning. And then, I took my responsibilities,” summarized Nicolas Batum on the floor at the end of the match. The French veteran (35 years old) was the big man in the Sixers’ play-in victory against the Heat (105-104) on Wednesday evening at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
His team suffered greatly in the first half, hampered by Miami’s zone defense. Returning from injury since April 2, interior Joel Embiid seemed out of rhythm, limited to only 10 points on 2/8 shooting at the break (score 51-39 in favor of Miami).
The Sixers gained momentum after returning from the locker room under the leadership of Nicolas Batum, uncompromising behind the arc (17 points at 5/8 from distance in the second half). The French winger also did a remarkable job in defense on Jimmy Butler, then countering Tyler Herro at the end of the match while the Heat player hoped to equalize (score 99-96).
Tyrese Maxey finished the job on the free throw line for a final victory for the Sixers (105-104). Joel Embiid finished the game with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Tyler Herro was the top scorer of the match (25 units). The Sixers maintain their seventh place in the East, and will meet the New York Knicks (2nd) in the first round of the play-offs from April 20.
Coby White carries Chicago with 42 points
The other game of the evening pitted Chicago against Atlanta, respectively ninth and tenth in the regular season standings in the East.
The Hawks only held out for half-time against the Bulls, before breaking down after returning from the locker room. Chicago leader Coby White (24) was the man of the match with 42 points on 15/21 shooting, his career best. Interior Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Reduced since a recent finger injury, Hawks leader Trae Young struggled shooting (22 points at 4/12), and was unable to prevent the quiet victory of the Bulls (131-116).
Chicago will meet Miami on April 19 for a second play-in game. The winner will secure eighth place in the standings in the East, enough to face Boston (1st) in the first round of play-offs. Bad news for the Heat, who could be deprived of their superstar Jimmy Butler. The winger is scheduled to undergo an MRI of his knee this Thursday, according to The Athletic.
