3 observations after Sixers lose 19-point lead to Heat, suffer dismal defeat

3 observations after Sixers lose 19-point lead to Heat, suffer dismal defeat originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The late-breaking news that Joel Embiid was available did not jolt the Sixers back to winning ways.

The team instead suffered a dismal defeat Monday night, blowing a 19-point advantage in the second quarter and falling to a 106-89 loss to the Heat.

The Sixers now sit at 2-11, the Heat at 6-7.

Listed as doubtful with an illness for much of Monday, Embiid was officially upgraded to available about 30 minutes before tip-off. He posted 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting, eight rebounds and five assists.

Jared McCain was the Sixers’ top scorer with 20 points, reaching that number for a fifth consecutive game. Paul George had 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Miami got a 30-point, 10-rebound performance from Jimmy Butler. Tyler Herro added 18 points, including 16 in the third quarter.

Tyrese Maxey (right hamstring strain) missed his sixth consecutive game because of a right hamstring strain. The Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. (right ankle sprain) and Terry Rozier (right foot discomfort) were sidelined.

The Sixers will finish their three-game road trip Wednesday night against the Grizzlies. Here are observations on their loss in Miami:

McCain, George lift Sixers to sizable lead

George scored the Sixers’ first five points, Butler the Heat’s first four. In his return from a sprained right ankle, Butler was physical and forceful early. His and-one layup on former teammate Caleb Martin gave Miami a 20-15 edge.

The Sixers leaned on George for nearly the entire first quarter. He scored a dozen points in the first, played active defense and keyed the start of an Embiid-less spurt late in the quarter.

After a slow start that included a couple of turnovers, McCain also flourished late in the first. He nailed two three-pointers, tossed a fast-break assist ahead to Andre Drummond and seemed to make a positive play every few seconds.

Early in the second quarter, McCain showed off his inside-the-arc craft. He glided to the hoop for a slick layup, drilled a mid-range jumper and spun…

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Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-11-19 03:22:00

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