Well, we have a series. After two Philadelphia home wins, the 76ers vs. Miami Heat Conference semifinal series is tied 2-2. Now, it’s a best of three series with the Heat holding home-court advantage with being one series away from the NBA Finals on the line.
So far the home team has taken the victory in each of the series’ four games, the only playoff series to play out this way thus far. The reasoning for all the home victories has less to do with dominant home court advantage, though, and more to do with the return of Joel Embiid.
Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ MVP finalist, missed the first two games in Miami recovering from an injury sustained in the first round. His team fought admirably without him, making for two competitive games to open the series. Miami was able to pull away in each, though, winning both games by double digits.
The 76ers’ hopes were revitalized, though, when Joel Embiid was re-inserted into the starting line-up. In Embiid’s first game back, the Sixers’ defense shined – holding Miami to a measly 79 points.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Suns or Heat: Which Top Seed Is More At Risk Of Elimination?
Embiid hasn’t looked his MVP self yet in his return. He’s been playing great – but scoring figures of 18 and 24 in Games 3 and 4 are below his lofty standards. Embiid has truly shined in his impact on the Philadelphia 76ers’ defense.
The center’s defensive impact is most clearly reflected in Miami’s shot selection. In Games 1 and 2, Miami took 61 shots within three feet of the rim. With Embiid there in Games 3 and 4, that number dropped to 46. A lack of looks in the paint has led the Miami Heat to hoisting more outside shots, which they’ve been ice cold on. Whether it’s shooting luck or improved perimeter defense bolstered by Embiid’s rim protection, or a combination of both, the defense has undeniably looked better since Embiid’s return.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Suns or Heat: Which Top Seed Is More At Risk Of Elimination?
It hasn’t all been Joel Embiid though. The Philadelphia 76ers’ supporting cast has been hitting at a much better rate from deep as well. In Games 1 and 2, the 76ers shot a combined 14/64 from deep – just 21.9%. At home in Games 3 and 4, the 76ers shot a scorching 32/66 – 48.5%. Is it shooting luck? Could it be Embiid’s presence? Is it a combination of both?
Embiid’s return was no doubt the catalyst for the 76ers resurgence in the series. Co-star James Harden, though, deserves praise for his Game 4 performance. Harden dropped 31 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in the win, and hit several key three-pointers late. The former MVP has faced a lot of criticism in his time in Philadelphia. If he can play like he did in Game 4, though, the Sixers will be an extremely tough team to beat.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Suns or Heat: Which Top Seed Is More At Risk Of Elimination?
The Philadelphia 76ers’ resurgence has been impressive – but they still need to find a way to win against the Heat in Miami. Their improved shooting at home was great for them, as was Miami’s ice cold luck from three. In Miami, though, we’ll see if Embiid’s influence will continue to change the game, or if shooting luck will be the story.
