Nancy Turner
Dec 26, 2023 - 10:45

NBA: Jaime Jaquez Jr. and the Heat slow down Joel Embiid-less 76ers

Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 31 points as Miami Heat won 119-113 over Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid was absent due to injury.

The Miami Heat secured a 119-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, taking advantage of the absence of injured star Joel Embiid. Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered an outstanding performance, recording a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds. Bam Adebayo also had an impressive game with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Tyler Herro scored 22 points, Duncan Robinson had 16, and Kyle Lowry finished with 12.

Despite Philadelphia's efforts to battle back from a 21-point deficit, the Heat managed to maintain their lead. Adebayo's crucial scoring and Tobias Harris's missed opportunities ultimately sealed the victory for Miami.

Tobias Harris led the scoring for the 76ers with 27 points, but the team struggled to overcome their shooting percentages, with just 42.6% from the field and 37.8% from long distance. Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey, averaging 26.4 points per game, was limited to just 12 points on 4-of-20 shooting.

The absence of both Embiid and Miami's Jimmy Butler, who missed his third straight game, had a significant impact on the game. The Heat capitalized on their early lead, closing the first quarter with a 14-1 run and maintaining their momentum into the second quarter.

Despite a strong response from Philadelphia in the third quarter, the Heat's resilience and efficient shooting secured their victory. They connected on 47.6% of their shots, including 37.5% from 3-point range, underlining their dominance in the game.

Under coach Erik Spoelstra, the Heat improved to 9-0 on Christmas Day, showcasing their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The Sixers, on the other hand, fell to 0-4 this season without Embiid, highlighting the impact of his absence on the team's performance.

Overall, the game was a testament to the Heat's skill and determination, as they overcame the absence of key players to secure a well-deserved victory.