#Heat #pulverizes #Sixers
Back in Florida after a failed visit to Pennsylvania, the Heat started Game 5 on a high note, like this first quarter shooting 13/26 (31 points). As in the previous game, it was Jimmy Butler who shone from the start, with 11 points. The Sixers lack rhythm and confidence in attack (8/20), and to make matters worse, they give the stick to be defeated: the Heat score 8 points in the 4 lost balls of the Doc Rivers band.
The second quarter is a bit more reassuring for the Sixers, who are showing a poor 7/20 shooting, as Joel Embiid is pushed and bruised in the face despite his protective mask, following an inadvertent hit by Dewayne Dedmon. A good pass by Victor Oladipo raises the difference to +18, but baskets by James Harden and Tobias Harris finally allow Philly to limit the damage at halftime (56-44).
What little promise the 76ers showed late in the first half was quickly swept away by the second-half slump. At a total loss on offense, with only 41 points scored on 16/45 shooting, the 76ers lost their footing and fell for good midway through the third quarter. The gap reached +37 (!!) in the last act, and the end of the game was, unsurprisingly, junk time, as the spectators left the room well before the final buzzer.
Dominated in Philadelphia, the Miami players, who achieved a 6th victory in as many home games in these 2022 playoffs, signed the best possible reaction. The Heat offer one match point and will have a chance to qualify for the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 6 in Philadelphia on Thursday.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The return of Duncan Robinson. In the closet since the start of the series, the Heat sharpshooter reappeared, to applause from the public who had probably missed him. His performance, 4 points in 13 minutes, is rather anecdotal, but we especially remember the tactical choice of his coach, Erik Spoelstra, who reduced Victor Oladipo’s minutes during this game. The sign of a gradual and permanent return of the former Michigan in the rotation of the Heat?
– The Heat have regained something akin to an outside management.. Struggling this drill the previous two games in Philadelphia, the Heat reconciled themselves to shooting behind the arc in Game 5. Going 13/33, which always leaves room for better shot selection, the Miami side bounced back and looked more like the team that had finished with the best percentage behind the arc in the regular season.
– No Kyle Lowry. It was to be expected, given his physical condition that was painful to watch in Game 4. The leader, hampered by physical issues since the start of the playoffs, was absent for this fifth game, and it seems unlikely that he will be seen again in all the Serie. . Even without him, the Heat have plenty of wiggle room.
TOPS / FLIP FLOPS
✅ The heat collective. Everyone benefited from this victory in Miami: seven players scored 10 points or more! A special mention obviously goes to Jimmy Butler, who once again signed a high-quality performance, with 23 points (9/15), 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Had the game been a little closer in the second period, it’s a safe bet “Jimmy Buckets” would have finished with a triple-double. Great game also from Max Strus, who calmly compiled 19 points (7/13) and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes.
✅ Joel Embid. Hard to get anything positive out of this game for the 76ers after such a slump, but the pivot’s resiliency should be underlined. Embarrassed by his mask, then hit quite violently on the forehead by Dedmon, the “Process” gritted his teeth until his final exit, in the fourth quarter when the gap exceeded +30. In 33 minutes he contributes 17 points (7/12), 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
⛔️ Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers shooting guard played his worst game of the playoffs. No rhythm, no confidence, generally like his team, he scored 9 small points on 2/10 shooting. Philly’s third thief will have to do better at home in Game 6 on Thursday, in what could be the 76ers’ last game of the season.
THE CONTINUATION
Game 6: in Philadelphia, on the night of Thursday the 12th to Friday the 13th, 01:00
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