Typically, when the Philadelphia 76ers secure a significant victory, the spotlight falls on the All-Star duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, after a crucial win against the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night, Embiid diverted attention to two non-All-Star teammates, Nico Batum and Buddy Hield, crediting them for their pivotal roles in securing the victory.
Embiid emphasized Batum and Hield’s contributions in the locker room, highlighting their ability to make difficult shots, especially crucial against Miami’s defensive zone strategy. Despite the team’s sluggish performance in the first half, trailing by 12 points at halftime, Batum and Hield emerged as catalysts for the Sixers’ turnaround.
Batum, a seasoned sharpshooter, ignited the team’s offense in the third quarter, sinking three-pointers and helping close the gap on Miami’s lead. Although Hield’s scoring tapered off in the final quarter, Batum maintained his momentum, contributing crucial points and defensive plays that ultimately secured the narrow one-point victory.
Batum’s impressive performance off the bench, including 20 points and critical defensive plays, proved instrumental in the Sixers’ advancement to the seventh seed in the playoffs. With this win, the team secured their place in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, earning a brief respite before facing the New York Knicks in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
