Takeaways from the Miami Heat’s Victory over Sixers

As the Miami Heat’s playoff chase continues, they took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. The 76ers locked in the third seed prior to the game but still played their starters. However, the Heat still came prepared and gave it to the 76ers on both ends of the floor. This was the most confident the team has looked all season long. The 76ers made it interesting when they cut the Heat’s lead to 14 in the third quarter, but Miami pulled away in the fourth. With the win, Miami moves to 43-37 for the season. Here are my takeaways from Miami’s victory over the 76ers.

Going to Bam Early

Bam Adebayo has been a trending topic among fans this season. After a strong first half of the season, Adebayo hasn’t played well as much in the second half. On Thursday, he put up a better performance. Miami went to the big man early in the game. They fed Bam whenever there was a mismatch, and he took advantage of it. Adebayo also attacked Joel Embiid in the paint as well. From there, he was able to get his midrange game going. Defensively, he also helped slowed down Embiid and made it tough on him. Adebayo did not play in the fourth quarter with the Heat keeping a huge lead. Adebayo finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.

Butler Continues to Bully Philly

Jimmy Butler was back in Philadelphia again this season. A place where he’s put-up big-time performances for Miami. Once again, Butler was a torn on the 76ers side. Early in the game, Butler mostly focused on getting his teammates involved. Once that was done, Butler went into attack mode in the third period. The 76ers put Embiid on Butler to force him into a jumper. However, Butler was still able to get inside the paint. He got one and-one bucket on Embiid. He also knocked down a couple of jumpers as well. Like Adebayo, Butler didn’t have to finish the game in the fourth period with the game out of reach. Butler finished with 24 points and six assists.

Herro Strong

Tyler Herro also put up a good performance on Thursday. He put up 16 points in the first half. Herro started the game with a strong attack on P.J. Tucker in the paint. Yes, he didn’t make it. But it was a strong signal that Herro was going right at his defender. Usually, Herro would lean into his floater game. Or he would settle for jumper. But wasn’t the case on Thursday. Herro’s focus was to attack the paint. He also hit five three-pointers as well. This was a good night for Herro. Herro finished with 24 points and five assists.

Play-In/Playoff Chase

The Race for the sixth seed is still in play. At least for now. The Brooklyn Nets need to go winless over their final two games and Miami needs to win their next two. A sixth seed guarantees a matchup with the 76ers in the first round. With the way Miami has played the 76ers, it appears that’s the preferred matchup for Miami. For some reason, the 76ers tend to struggle against the Heat. Mostly when Miami plays their 2-3 zone. If Miami doesn’t reach the sixth seed, they’ll have to play in the Play-in tournament, which starts on Tuesday.

Next up: The Washington Wizards on Friday. Game tips off at 7pm eastern.