With their backs against the wall, the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks desperately needed a game three win to get back into their respective series. On Friday night, both teams did just that. Philadelphia defeated the Miami Heat 99-79, and Dallas defeated the Phoenix Suns 103-94.
The difference in the Philadelphia/Miami series was clearly the return of center Joel Embiid. In 36 minutes of action while wearing a mask to protect his broken orbital bone, Embiid recorded the double double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. It should be noted that Embiid not only has a broken orbital bone, but a torn ligament in his thumb as well.
Were the Heat surprised that Embiid had an impact in the Philadelphia win over Miami? Absolutely not. Heat star Jimmy Butler was quoted as saying that the 76ers were much better with Embiid in their lineup than without. To begin the series, the Heat seemed to beat the 76ers with ease, and now Philadelphia returned the favour.
Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey each scored 21 points for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, James Harden had 17 points. Even though Miami lost by 20 in game three, they still lead the Eastern Conference semifinals 3-1. Now they have to find a way to stop Embiid.
Meanwhile in Dallas on Friday, the Mavericks defeated the Suns 103-94, to win their first game of the season, Phoenix still leads 2-1. Five Mavericks reached double digits in scoring. Jalen Brunson had 28 points. Luka Doncic had 26 points. Reggie Bullock had 15 points, while Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith had 14 points each. Doncic had the double-double as he added 11 rebounds.
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