The Sixers snapped the Heat's 13-game winning streak Saturday night with a 117-109 victory.
Brett Brown started Nerlens Noel at the center position, as Joel Embiid missed his ninth straight game (see below). Jahlil Okafor was a DNP.
The Heat began their stretch on Jan. 8 and during which beat teams including the Warriors, Rockets, Clippers and Hawks. The Sixers were on the losing end of the Heat's success just a week ago, when they lost, 125-102, in Miami.
This time the Sixers quieted Hassan Whiteside, who had averaged 31 points in two games against them this season. Whiteside scored just 12 points.
The Heat didn't end their streak without a fight. The Sixers led 110-97 with three minutes to play. The Heat went on a 7-0 run and it was a six-point game with less than a minute remaining. T.J. McConnell made one of two free throws to push the lead to 111-104.
Philadelphia 76ers
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Embiid injury update
In addition to a left knee contusion, Embiid also as a small tear in his left meniscus. The tear could be pre-existing and was discovered during an MRI on his knee, Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said before the game (see story).
"There was also the recognition that there was a very minor meniscal tear," Colangelo said. "But it was not thought to be acute and it was not thought to be the source of the pain, inflammation or symptoms."
Inside the box score
• Goran Dragic led all players with 30 points (12 for 21 from the field). James Johnson finished behind him with 26.
• Three Sixers scored 19 points: Robert Covington, Noel and Dario Saric off the bench.
• T.J. McConnell recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists.
• Whiteside pulled down 19 rebounds.
• Philadelphia native Dion Waiters did not play because of a left ankle sprain.
In good shape after three
The Sixers had solid stats behind them going into the fourth quarter. They were 13-8 when ahead after three this season. The Heat, on the other hand, were 6-25 when trailing.
Up next
The Sixers will play the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday followed by a game against the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday. These are the final two games remaining before the All-Star break.
