MIAMI — The Philadelphia 76ers headed back to South Beach on Tuesday looking to take control of this series with the Miami Heat. After two terrific games up in Philadelphia to tie the series, the Sixers could not replicate it to start Game 5 as they found themselves in an 18-point deficit in the first half.
The Sixers did chip away at the deficit and stay in the game despite how poorly they played from the jump. They cut the lead to 10 early in the third quarter, but the Heat then jumped all over the Sixers after that as they played with much more purpose and they were aggressive on their way to a 120-85 victory. Jimmy Butler led Miami with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as the Heat now have the Sixers on the brink.
Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 17 points and five rebounds, James Harden had 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists, Tobias Harris had 12 points, and Tyrese Maxey had nine. Shake Milton had ??? and Danny Green also added six points on the night.
Here are the player grades following the loss: