Heat Flip the Script with a Huge Third Quarter to Stun the 76ers

The Miami Heat executed a dramatic second-half turnaround on Monday night, erasing a 19-point deficit to defeat the struggling Philadelphia 76ers 113-95 at home. In a complete reversal of their season-long trend, the Heat dominated the third quarter, led by Duncan Robinson and Dru Smith. The win provided a much-needed boost for an injury-depleted Miami squad, while Philadelphia’s early-season troubles deepened, dropping them to 2-11 on the year.

A Tale of Two Halves in Miami

For most of the first half, it looked like another long night for the Heat. They fell behind by as many as 19 points in the second quarter, seemingly unable to find an answer for the 76ers. However, a crucial 11-3 run just before halftime cut the deficit to a manageable 56-53, providing a spark of life.

That spark turned into a fire after the break. The Heat, who had been outscored 137-71 in their previous four third quarters at home, completely flipped the narrative. They came out of the locker room and put together a dominant 35-16 period, seizing control of the game and never looking back. The suffocating defense and hot shooting turned a close game into a blowout by the fourth quarter.

76ers’ Collapse Sets Unwanted Record

Philadelphia’s performance was a perfect example of their inconsistent season. After building their largest lead of the year at 19 points, their offense stalled, and their defense crumbled. The 76ers became the first team this season to lead by at least 19 points and then trail by at least 20 in the same game.

Joel Embiid, playing in just his third game of the season after returning from injury, was a non-factor. The reigning MVP was held to just 11 points in 31 minutes as Miami’s defense keyed in on him. The 76ers’ issues were compounded by the ongoing absence of star guard Tyrese Maxey, who missed his sixth straight game with a hamstring injury. His absence has left a significant void in their offensive game plan.

Key Players Step Up for a Depleted Heat Roster

Miami secured the victory despite being shorthanded. The team was without key players Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) and Terry Rozier (foot), leaving their backcourt thin. In their absence, others rose to the occasion.

Duncan Robinson led the charge, scoring 13 points and providing the offensive firepower needed to fuel the comeback. Dru Smith also made a significant impact, adding 10 points. The comeback was defined by several key factors:

• Momentum Shift: The 11-3 run to end the second quarter was the turning point, giving the Heat confidence heading into halftime.
• Third-Quarter Dominance: Outscoring Philadelphia 35-16 in the third period completely changed the game’s trajectory.
• Defensive Intensity: Miami’s defense locked down the 76ers in the second half, preventing any chance of a Philadelphia recovery.

Game Statistics at a Glance

The final box score highlights Miami’s second-half control and Philadelphia’s inability to sustain their strong start. The vast difference in third-quarter scoring tells the story of the night.