76ers' Joel Embiid, Batum Hyped by NBA Fans for 4Q Takeover in ...
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Joel Embiid posted a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double and Nicolas Batum added 20 points (six three-pointers) off the bench to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 105-104 comeback win over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
The 76ers trailed by as many as 14 points in a first half where they committed 11 turnovers and trailed 51-39 going into the break.
However, Philadelphia's offense came to life in the second half thanks largely to Embiid and Batum.
Batum scored 14 second-half points, while Embiid had 11 in the fourth quarter alone to help put this game away.
Both players produced huge moments down the stretch.
Batum's putback layup closed the Heat's lead to 89-88 with 4:12 left.
not just a three-point shooter. <a href="https://t.co/8HvOASURX3">pic.twitter.com/8HvOASURX3</a>
That set off a sequence where no one but Heat guard Tyler Herro or Embiid scored for the next two-and-half minutes.
Embiid answered a Herro two-pointer with a personal 5-0 run capped off by his three to provide Philly with a 93-91 edge. After Herro hit another three in response, Embiid fired back with a three-point play to put Philly up two with 1:47 left.
THERE GOES THAT MAN. <a href="https://t.co/Xn2C0keIMd">pic.twitter.com/Xn2C0keIMd</a>
A Haywood Highsmith bucket then tied the game. Both teams then went scoreless until Embiid found Oubre down low for another three-point play, giving Philadelphia a 99-96 lead with 36 seconds remaining.
KELLY OUBRE JR. ???? <a href="https://t.co/YhVahXosvv">pic.twitter.com/YhVahXosvv</a>
Batum then came up with the game's biggest play, blocking a Herro three-point attempt to give Philadelphia the ball back.
BATUM BLOCK. <a href="https://t.co/RlcRuT5mjd">https://t.co/RlcRuT5mjd</a> <a href="https://t.co/neKODfjRcy">pic.twitter.com/neKODfjRcy</a>
The 76ers made all six of their free throws down the stretch to keep the Heat at bay. Herro made a three with three-tenths of a second left to cut the lead to 105-104, but Philadelphia's quick inbounds put the clock at zero.
Fans and analysts alike were understandably impressed with Embiid and Batum, who salvaged the team's brutal first-half performance with a great second-half outing en route to a playoff berth.
Embiid put on a playmaking masterclass, was super clutch, and survived the demon playoff Heat team. I don't see any criticism for him tbh
Joel Embiid has not had a great game but man has he stepped up in the last few minutes. In a weird way this is turning into one of his better playoff games
Embiid completely turned it around in that 4th quarter, completely dominated and controlled the offense while keeping composure<br><br>Owe him a big time apology
Batum done saved so many legacies tonight and Embiid saved his for the time being with that 4th quarter masterclass, I can sleep peaceful for a few more days
Embiid has basically taken over this game down the stretch but you gotta give Batum the game ball lmao he has turned back the clock
Embiid has literally taken over this game in the clutch and the haters are so quiet rn LMAOOO
Joel Embiid in the last 3 minutes has been looking like the best player in the world.
Joel Embiid 4th quarter masterclass whew
Joel Embiid last 3 possessions: <br><br>** 3 pointer <br>** 3 point play <br>** Great pass for a 3 point play <br><br>Credit to him for stepping up when they really needed him <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sixers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sixers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ClapYourHandPod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClapYourHandPod</a>
We're witnessing a Nic Batum masterclass
Tonight will be remembered as the Nic Batum game. <a href="https://t.co/QpaPwUqkJV">pic.twitter.com/QpaPwUqkJV</a>
NIC BATUM TONIGHT <a href="https://t.co/lfAh8H1g7r">pic.twitter.com/lfAh8H1g7r</a>
The Nic Batum legacy game
Nicolas Batum deserves a statue for tonight's performance. <br><br>Thank you. <a href="https://t.co/H3mQH366RB">pic.twitter.com/H3mQH366RB</a>
Embiid and Batum coming out of the locker room at half time to lead a 2nd half comeback <br> <a href="https://t.co/h3rDmrnTd6">pic.twitter.com/h3rDmrnTd6</a>
SIXERS WIN <br><br>NIC BATUM HAS PERFORMED COUNTLESS MIRACLES ON ME <br><br>JOEL EMBIID LOCKED IN DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER <br><br>CRAZY COMEBACK FROM DOWN 14 POINTS <br><br>ON TO NEW YORK! <a href="https://t.co/KcTqEf1pqI">pic.twitter.com/KcTqEf1pqI</a>
WE OUT GUTTED THE GUTTIEST TEAM IN THE PLAYOFFS. JOEL EMBIID 4TH QUARTER TAKEOVER. NICO BATUM GAME. BRICKIN FOR CHICKEN MOMENTUM SHIFT. KELLY OUBRE CLOSING MINUTES. MAXEY CLUTCH FREE THROWS. WHAT AN UGLY ASS SLUG FEST OF A WIN. YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO F***ING SEE IT. LFG.
The 76ers will now advance to the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, where they'll face the No. 2 seed and host New York Knicks beginning Saturday in Madison Square Garden.
The Heat will need to win Friday at home against either the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks to clinch the East's No. 8 seed, which would mean a first-round date against the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics.
