When Norman Powell hit that running layup with 4:40 left, the Miami Heat didn’t just extend their lead — they slammed the door on any hope the Philadelphia 76ers had of pulling off a miracle. It was 127-117, and the Heat had won their fourth straight game, this time on the road at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The box score didn’t lie: Powell dropped 32 points, while rookie center Kel'el Ware dominated the glass with 20 points and 16 rebounds. This wasn’t a fluke. It was a statement.
A Team Finding Its Rhythm
The Heat entered the game at 11-6, riding a wave of momentum that’s become their signature this season. But this win felt different. They didn’t rely on their usual perimeter shooting or Bam Adebayo’s mid-range mastery alone. They won with grit — and with Ware, the 20-year-old second-round pick, playing like a veteran. His 16 rebounds were the most by a Heat center since Hassan Whiteside in 2019. And Powell? He was surgical. He made 11 of 18 shots, including 4 of 6 from deep, and didn’t commit a turnover. The Heat’s bench, often overlooked, chipped in 41 points, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 22 and Tyler Herro (noted as 'Hz' in highlight transcripts) finishing with 15.
76ers Fight, But Without Their Anchor
The 76ers, at 9-7, came in hungry. Tyrese Maxey, the NBA’s second-leading scorer at 33.4 points per game, poured in 27, coming off a career-high 54-point explosion against Milwaukee just four days prior. Andre Drummond, playing with a quiet fury, grabbed 23 rebounds — his highest total since 2023. Trendon Watford’s layup with 8:28 left cut Miami’s lead to 105-103, and for a moment, the home crowd roared like it was playoff time. But then, the Heat answered. They went on a 13-2 run. Powell’s layup. Adebayo’s putback. A Duncan Robinson three (referred to as 'Larson' in transcripts). It was cold, calculated basketball. And it exposed what’s missing in Philadelphia: Joel Embiid.
No Embiid, No Edge
For the seventh straight game, the Joel Embiid — the 2023 MVP and the 76ers’ emotional and physical engine — sat out with right knee injury management. He’s now missed 10 of 16 games this season. Without him, the 76ers’ interior defense collapsed. Ware and Adebayo combined for 38 points and 34 rebounds. Philadelphia’s second-biggest center, Drummond, had to guard Ware one-on-one in the post. It didn’t end well. And rookie VJ Edgecombe, expected to spark the backcourt, was sidelined with left calf tightness. The 76ers were playing with two of their top five players on the bench. That’s not a bad night. That’s a structural problem.
What This Means for the Atlantic Division
The Heat now sit at 11-6 (.647), just 1.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors (12-5), who lead the Atlantic. The 76ers? They’re 2.5 games back. And with three matchups left between these teams this season, this game isn’t just a win — it’s a psychological advantage. Miami has won the last four meetings, including two last season. The 76ers haven’t beaten the Heat since January 2024. That’s not coincidence. That’s momentum. And it’s not just about wins. It’s about identity. The Heat are becoming a team that doesn’t need Embiid-level stars to win. They have depth. They have poise. They have Ware, who’s averaging 13.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in his last five games — numbers that rival top-10 rookies from last decade.
What’s Next?
The Heat head home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. The 76ers, meanwhile, host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday — a must-win if they want to stay in the playoff conversation. But the real test comes December 12, when the teams meet again in Miami. And then again on January 28. If Philadelphia can’t get Embiid back on the court soon, those games won’t just be tough — they’ll be defining. The Heat aren’t just winning. They’re building something. And the 76ers? They’re watching it happen — without their best player.
Game Flow Snapshot
- First Quarter: Miami 37, Philadelphia 27
- Halftime: Miami 71, Philadelphia 67
- Third Quarter: Miami 99, Philadelphia 93
- Fourth Quarter: Miami 127, Philadelphia 117
The Heat led wire-to-wire, despite Philadelphia outscoring them 40-34 in the second quarter. Their fourth-quarter defense — holding the 76ers to 24 points after a 105-103 deficit — was the difference. Miami forced seven turnovers in the final 10 minutes. The 76ers made 13 three-pointers, but they were too slow to recover on the glass. And in the end, that’s what cost them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kel'el Ware’s performance impact the Heat’s win?
Ware’s 20 points and 16 rebounds were critical in neutralizing Philadelphia’s interior presence, especially with Joel Embiid out. His 16 boards were the most by a Heat center in over five years and gave Miami a 52-43 rebounding edge. He also blocked three shots and altered several others, forcing the 76ers into tough mid-range attempts instead of easy baskets at the rim.
Why is Joel Embiid’s absence so damaging to the 76ers?
Without Embiid, Philadelphia loses their primary scorer, defender, and playmaker in the post. Their offensive rating drops from 118.7 with him to 107.3 without him. Against Miami, they scored just 48 points in the paint — 18 below their season average. Embiid’s presence draws double-teams; without him, defenders can sag off shooters, and Miami exploited that gap.
What does this win mean for the Heat’s playoff positioning?
Miami’s 11-6 record puts them in the top four of the Eastern Conference, and their 4-game winning streak is the longest in the league since November 10. They’re now 6-2 on the road, tied for best in the NBA. With the Raptors struggling and the Celtics injured, the Heat are quietly positioning themselves as a top-three seed — and a serious threat in the playoffs.
How did the Heat’s bench contribute to the victory?
Miami’s reserves outscored Philadelphia’s 41-26, with JaVonte Smart (‘Otobbio’) adding 10 points and Duncan Robinson (‘Larson’) hitting two clutch threes in the fourth. The Heat’s second unit has now outscored opponents by an average of 11.4 points per game this season — the best bench differential in the NBA. They’re not just filling minutes — they’re changing games.
Is this the start of a new Heat dynasty, or just a hot streak?
It’s too early for dynasty talk, but this is the most balanced, versatile Miami team since 2020. They have elite defense, depth, and now, a rising star in Ware. Unlike past Heat teams that relied on LeBron or Wade, this group wins with systems — not stars. If they stay healthy, they’re built to compete deep into the playoffs — and possibly beyond.
What’s the significance of this being the first of three matchups?
Winning the first game gives Miami a psychological edge heading into the December and January rematches. The Heat have won 8 of the last 10 meetings, and with Embiid’s health uncertain, Philadelphia may not have the firepower to flip the script. This win could set the tone for the entire Atlantic Division race — and possibly determine seeding in the East.
