Joel Embiid Returns To Lead Sixers Past Miami Heat In Game 3

The Miami Heat had enjoyed much success against a shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers team.

On Friday, they learned it's different when facing them at full strength.

All-Star center Joel Embiid returned to the lineup and the 76ers defeated the Heat 99-79 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Heat still lead the best-of-7 series 2-1.

Embiid finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. He had missed the past two games because of an orbital bone fracture. He wore a protective mask.

“This is what you have to expect,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He's an MVP-caliber player.”

Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey each 21 points for the Sixers but the Embiid factor caught the Heat off guard. He was cleared to play shortly before tip-off.

“Any plan where you can have Joel as part of the plan is a much better plan,” Sixers coach Doc Rivers said.

Now, the Heat shift their attention to playing the Sixers with Embiid. Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia.

“You add Jo to any team, home or away, the game, the scouting report, it changes drastically," said Heat forward Butler, who finished with a team-high 33 points. “It's been like that for his entire career.”

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