Miami Heat edge 76ers 127-117 as Powell drops 32 in Philly showdown
Nov, 24 2025
The Miami Heat pulled away in the final minutes to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 127-117 on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. It wasn’t just another win — it was the Heat’s fourth straight, and it came against a 76ers team still reeling from the absence of their franchise cornerstone. NBA fans watched as Norman Powell exploded for 32 points, while rookie Kel'el Ware delivered a monstrous 20-point, 16-rebound double-double. The 76ers, despite a valiant effort led by Tyrese Maxey’s 27 points and Andre Drummond’s 23 rebounds, couldn’t close the gap when it mattered most.
Heat control early, then pull away late
Miami came out firing, outscoring Philadelphia 37-27 in the first quarter. The Heat’s defense was sharp, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast breaks — one key sequence saw Larson strip the ball and race downcourt for an easy two. By halftime, the Heat led 71-67, but the 76ers weren’t done. They rattled off 16 straight points to tie the game at 49, a run fueled by Maxey’s relentless drives and Drummond’s relentless presence under the basket.
Then came the turning point. With 8:28 left and the score tied at 105-103 after a Trendon Watford layup, the Heat went on a 13-2 run. Norman Powell capped it with a running layup at 4:40, giving Miami a 13-point cushion. The 76ers never got closer than 10 points again. The final 24 seconds were a formality — Miami’s depth, discipline, and poise under pressure were too much.
76ers missing Embiid — and momentum
Philadelphia’s biggest problem? They played without Joel Embiid, who missed his seventh straight game due to right knee injury management. Embiid, the 2023 MVP, has now sat out 10 of the 76ers’ 16 games this season. His absence isn’t just about scoring — it’s about gravity. Defenders collapse on him, opening lanes for others. Without him, the offense becomes predictable. Maxey carried the load — again — but even his 54-point masterpiece against Milwaukee two nights prior couldn’t carry them through this one.
Adding to the woes, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe was out with left calf tightness. That’s two key rotation players gone. The 76ers are now 9-7, and their Atlantic Division standings are slipping. They’ve lost two of their last three, and the schedule doesn’t get easier.
Heat’s depth and defense carry the day
While Powell stole headlines, the Heat’s win was a team effort. Bam Adebayo added 18 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the defense. Jamie Jacquez Jr. chipped in 22 points off the bench, showing why Miami’s second unit is among the league’s best. And Ware? At just 20 years old, he’s becoming a revelation. His 16 rebounds were the most by a Heat rookie since 2017, and his sixth double-double of the season signals he’s no longer just a project — he’s a player.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s game plan was simple: attack the rim, force turnovers, and make the 76ers play without Embiid’s paint protection. It worked. Miami outrebounded Philadelphia 52-48 and forced 18 turnovers. The Heat’s bench outscored Philly’s 48-29 — a stat that says everything.
What’s next? Three matchups, one rivalry
This was the first of three regular-season meetings between these Atlantic Division rivals. The next two — both in Miami — come on January 10 and March 21, 2026. With Embiid’s health still uncertain, the 76ers may enter those games as underdogs again. Meanwhile, Miami’s 11-6 record and four-game win streak have them firmly in the Eastern Conference’s top four. They’re not just contenders — they’re becoming a team that can win on the road, in hostile arenas, against elite competition.
Where to watch — and how it was covered
The game aired on USA Network, FDSSUN, and NBCS-PH, with streaming options through fuboTV and NBA League Pass. Social media buzz was loud: YouTube channels like Philly Take with RB and FreeDawkins posted highlight reels within minutes. Even Fox Sports The Gambler broke down the game’s betting lines, noting how Miami’s point spread held despite Embiid’s absence — a sign of how much respect the Heat’s current form commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Joel Embiid’s absence affect the 76ers’ playoff chances?
Without Joel Embiid, the 76ers are a completely different team. His absence has cost them at least 12 points per game in scoring and 8 rebounds. Teams are now willing to double-team Tyrese Maxey, knowing there’s no interior threat to punish them. If Embiid doesn’t return before January, Philadelphia’s top-four seeding in the East is in serious jeopardy — even with Maxey playing at an MVP level.
Why is Kel’el Ware’s performance significant for the Miami Heat?
Ware’s 16-rebound game against Philadelphia was his sixth double-double this season, making him the first Heat rookie since Hassan Whiteside in 2013 to do that before December. He’s not just a project anymore — he’s a reliable two-way force who can guard multiple positions and finish at the rim. His emergence gives Miami flexibility, especially if Bam Adebayo needs rest or gets injured.
Did the 76ers’ recent 54-point game by Tyrese Maxey set them up for a letdown?
It’s possible. Maxey’s 54-point outburst against Milwaukee on November 21 was historic — the highest single-game scoring total in the NBA this season. But those kinds of performances are exhausting, physically and mentally. Against Miami, he shot 9-of-27 from the field. The Heat’s defensive scheme focused on making him work for every shot, and he looked fatigued in the fourth quarter. That’s not a knock on Maxey — it’s a reminder that even elite scorers can’t carry a team alone night after night.
What does this win mean for the Miami Heat’s playoff outlook?
This win cements Miami as a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. At 11-6, they’re tied for fourth in the East, and their road record (4-5) is better than many top teams. They’ve now beaten the Celtics, Nets, and 76ers — all playoff-caliber teams — in the last two weeks. With Norman Powell heating up and Kel’el Ware emerging, Miami has depth and versatility most teams lack. They’re not just surviving — they’re thriving.
How many times do the Heat and 76ers play this season?
They play three times total in the 2025-26 NBA regular season. This game on November 23 was the first. The next two are both in Miami: January 10 and March 21, 2026. Those matchups could be decisive for playoff seeding, especially if Embiid is still out. The Heat have the advantage in head-to-head matchups this season — and they know it.
Was this game broadcast nationally?
Yes. The game aired nationally on USA Network and regionally on FDSSUN and NBCS-PH. It was also streamed live via fuboTV and NBA League Pass. The matchup drew strong viewership, especially in Florida and Pennsylvania, with over 1.2 million unique streams recorded — up 18% from last season’s first meeting between these teams.