By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
James Harden scored 31 points, Joel Embiid had 24 points and 11 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers beat Miami 116-108 in Game 4 to even the Eastern Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
The Heat won the first two games in Miami with Embiid out with a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion. The 76ers won Games 3 and 4 at home with Embiid and his mask in the lineup.
“We haven’t seen the best of Joel in this series yet,” coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s still trying to figure out how to play with that mask sliding all over his face.”
Miami got within five until Harden sank his fifth 3-pointer of the game with three minutes left, having in total 16 points in the fourth quarter.
“Nothing really changed. I just made shots,” Harden said.
Harden drilled a step-back 3 for a 114-103 lead that finished the game. He finished with six 3s, nine assists, and seven rebounds.
“It’s just James being James,” Rivers said. “I felt like he was going to have a big game tonight. You can just sense it.”
Jimmy Butler scored 40 points on 13 of 20 shooting from the floor, 12 of 13 free throws, and nearly one-man willed the Heat to victory. The Heat, who shot 38% on 3s during the season, missed 28 of 35 3-pointers.