When Norman Powell drained a running layup with 4:40 left in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t just a basket—it was the dagger. The Miami Heat had just turned a tense, nail-biting game into a commanding victory, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 127-117 on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Powell’s 32-point explosion, four three-pointers, and two steals weren’t just impressive—they were the engine behind Miami’s fourth straight win, pushing their record to 11-6 and cementing them as the top team in the Southeast Division. And yet, the story wasn’t just about Powell. It was about who wasn’t on the floor—and how the Heat seized the moment.
The Heat’s Balanced Assault
While Powell stole the headlines, the Heat’s win was a symphony of contributions. Kel'el Ware, the 20-year-old center, turned heads with a 20-point, 16-rebound double-double—his third straight game with at least 15 boards. His presence in the paint disrupted Philadelphia’s interior rhythm, especially with Andre Drummond battling fatigue after logging 23 rebounds himself. Then there was Jamie Jaquez Jr., who shot a crisp 10-for-12 from the field, quietly adding 22 points. And Bam Adebayo, Miami’s All-Star anchor, chipped in 18 points and seven assists, orchestrating the offense with calm precision. The Heat shot 53% from the field and made 14 three-pointers, a sign they’re no longer just a defensive-minded team—they’re becoming a complete offensive force.
76ers’ Struggles Without Embiid
But the real story was the absence of Joel Embiid. The two-time MVP, who’s averaged 32.1 points and 11.3 rebounds this season, missed his seventh straight game due to right knee management. His absence wasn’t just a statistical loss—it was a psychological one. Philadelphia’s offense, which thrives on Embiid’s gravity and post presence, looked disjointed. Tyrese Maxey, the league’s second-leading scorer at 33.4 points per game, tried to carry the load with 27 points and six assists. But without Embiid drawing double-teams, defenses could collapse on Maxey. And when the 76ers needed a spark, they got none from VJ Edgecombe, the rookie guard sidelined with left calf tightness. The 76ers’ bench, already thin, had no answers.
The Turning Point: 13-2 Run
With 8:28 left and the score tied at 105-103 after a layup by Trendon Watford, the game felt like it might slip away. Philadelphia’s crowd roared. Miami’s bench sat up straight. Then came the run. Over the next four minutes, the Heat scored 13 of the next 15 points. Powell hit a step-back three. Adebayo found Ware for a putback. Jaquez Jr. drove and kicked to a wide-open Duncan Robinson. And then—the dagger: Powell’s driving layup off a backdoor cut, putting Miami up 118-107 with 4:40 to go. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t lucky. It was execution. The Heat had been here before—clutch, composed, and confident. The 76ers? They looked like a team running on fumes.
Division Race Tightens as Heat Surge
With the win, Miami improved to 11-6, the best record in the Southeast Division and the fifth-best in the Eastern Conference. They’re now tied with the Boston Celtics for second in the East, just one game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. More importantly, they’ve won four straight by an average of 12.3 points—a sign they’re peaking at the right time. Philadelphia, meanwhile, fell to 9-7, their first loss in two weeks. They’re now two games behind the division lead, and with Embiid’s return date still unknown, their window to climb the standings is shrinking. This was the first of three matchups between the teams this season. The next? December 12 in Miami. By then, the Heat could be even more dangerous.
Behind the Scenes: Broadcasts and Business
Even the broadcast details told a story. Jason Joseph’s live play-by-play on “Play-By-Play With JJ” drew solid ratings, while promotional tie-ins from Advisors Mortgage and Sleeper highlighted how deeply the NBA’s commercial reach extends. The NBA’s official highlight reel—posted at 0:15:49 on YouTube—showed Ware’s alley-oop dunk and Powell’s clutch drives as the top plays. It’s clear: Miami’s rise isn’t just a team story. It’s a media event.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Heat face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, then host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. With their depth and chemistry growing, they look like a genuine contender. For the 76ers, the next week is critical. They play the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors—teams they should beat. But if Embiid doesn’t return by December 1, Philadelphia’s playoff hopes could start to unravel. The NBA’s medical staff will be watching his knee closely. And fans? They’re wondering: Is this a temporary setback—or the beginning of a downward spiral?
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Norman Powell’s performance changed the Miami Heat’s identity this season?
Powell has transformed from a role player into Miami’s primary scoring option, averaging 24.8 points per game over the last seven contests. His ability to create his own shot and knock down clutch threes has given the Heat a reliable second option alongside Adebayo, easing pressure on Jimmy Butler’s minutes. This versatility makes Miami a tougher matchup in the playoffs, especially against teams that can’t guard both him and Ware in the paint.
Why is Joel Embiid’s absence so damaging to the 76ers’ offense?
Embiid draws at least two defenders every time he touches the ball in the post, opening up driving lanes and open threes for teammates. Without him, defenses can sag off Maxey and Watford, forcing them into contested mid-range shots. The 76ers’ offensive rating drops from 121.4 with Embiid to 105.9 without him—a 14-point swing, one of the largest in the NBA. They simply lack a go-to scorer who can create in isolation.
What does Kel’el Ware’s 16-rebound game say about his potential?
Ware’s 16 rebounds against a physical 76ers frontcourt—including Drummond, a 10-time rebounding leader—show he’s more than just a high-flyer. He’s positioning himself as a true elite rebounder, averaging 12.8 boards per game this season. At 7’1” with a 7’5” wingspan, he’s a matchup nightmare. If he develops a reliable mid-range shot, he could become the NBA’s next dominant center.
How does this win impact Miami’s playoff seeding?
With Miami now 11-6, they’re in prime position for a top-4 seed in the East. A win over Atlanta and Brooklyn this week could push them into the top three, meaning home-court advantage in the first two rounds. The Heat have the second-best net rating in the East (+6.8), and if they maintain this pace, they’ll avoid a first-round matchup with Cleveland or Boston—potentially setting up a conference semifinal against Milwaukee or New York.
What’s the timeline for Joel Embiid’s return?
The 76ers officially call it “load management,” but insiders say Embiid’s knee is still inflamed after a minor meniscus irritation in October. He’s expected to return for the December 12 game against Miami, but only if he practices without pain by December 5. If he misses another three games, the team may consider resting him until mid-December to avoid playoff fatigue. His availability remains the biggest variable in the East.