Sixers strike back: Game 3 observations

By CHRISTIAN KLEMASH | Apr 20, 2018

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 19: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket while being defended by Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Arena on April 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat 128-108 in Game 3 to reclaim control of the series.

Wow! What a game, what a game!

I have to admit I was nervous about that one. Falling down 2-1 could have potentially been a mortal wound to this young team’s confidence.

But they responded. And it was a team effort. Sure, Joel Embiid will steal the headlines, and he should. His dramatic return wearing that mask is a great story. But six Philadelphia 76ers scored in double figures: Embiid (23), Dario Saric (21), Marco Belinelli (21), Ben Simmons (19), Robert Covington (11), and J.J. Redick (10).

In Tenth Avenue Freeze Out, Bruce Springsteen sings that “the Big Man joined the band!” Last night, the Big Man re-joined the band!

More from Sixers News

With a theatrical entrance, wearing a black mask and clear goggles, Joel Embiid was fantastic. He led all scorers with 23 points (Miami’s Goran Dragic had 23 also), pulled down seven rebounds, blocked three shots and handed out four assists.

But, Embiid’s impact on defense was even better. And it came early. He blocked a shot and altered two others in the opening minutes. The message was clear: no easy baskets driving to the hoop. That can’t be understated.

Thank God for Dario Saric. That guy has heart. He kept the Sixers in the game, hitting one big three after another — when the Sixers needed it. Kudos to Super Dario! Saric finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Sixers were +10 with Dario on the floor.

Ben Simmons put in a workmanlike, grind it out game, doing whatever the Sixers needed, driving, rebounding, playing defense and knocking down free throws, going 7-8 from the line. He finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. STAT OF THE GAME: The Sixers were +24 with Simmons on the floor.

This time the Sixers frustrated Miami. They bullied the bully.

Hey, Justics Winslow, if you want to act like you didn’t step on Embiid’s goggles intentionally, while in the middle of the court in front of 17,000 fans, with cameras everywhere, just step on them and keep walking. Don’t grind them into the ground, then pick them up and twist them. That should’ve been a technical foul also.

Brett Brown is a class act. He complimented Justise Winslow for his competitiveness after Winslow tried to break the goggles, calling him “good people” an attributing the attempted vandalism to the competitiveness of the playoffs. I agree with Brett Brown.

Related Story: Embiid's return, huge 4th quarter spark Sixers' Game 3 win

Speaking of technical fouls, how on earth did the refs issue double-technicals on Dwyane Wade and Justin Anderson? Wade literally almost pulled Anderson’s arm out of his socket while trying to throw him to the floor. He could have seriously injured Anderson. That was a HORRENDOUS move by Wade and a WORSE call by the refs — which they made after watching the replay multiple times.

If someone punches you in the face, are you responsible for hurting the guy’s hand? Simply inexcusable and the refs should be fined for that one.

And beyond that one play, Anderson had about as much impact as you can in only nine minutes. He was a physical, defensive pest, getting under Wade’s skin and into his head, resulting in Wade losing his cool.

Goran Dragic is a terrific player. Why Erik Spoelstra pulled him out of the game in the fourth quarter is beyond me (but I’m not complaining). I don’t care how many fouls Dragic had. He is Miami’s leader and was virtually unstoppable last night. When he went to the bench, the momentum switched instantly to the Sixers and they never relinquished it. Thank you, Mr. Spoelstra!

One thing has become clear in this series: The Sixers are the new hotshots in the league. And other teams resent them for that.

So, it’s on to Game 4… and beyond.

Next: Expiring contracts posing problems for the Sixers

As I mentioned before, the Sixers can win it all this year. Hey Philly sports fans: Enjoy this ride, because as the Eagles proved, the sky is the limit!