Joel Embiid’s Return Propels 76ers to Road Playoff Win, 2-1 Series Lead

Elsewhere in the NBA, the Warriors and Pelicans took 3-0 series.

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after hitting a three pointer in the second quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after hitting a three pointer in the second quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
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On Thursday night in Miami, Joel Embiid returned from a fractured orbital bone and concussion after nearly a month on the shelf and helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 128-108 win over the Heat.

Embiid’s presence and 23 points were a huge life for the Sixers and helped them take a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. “I like playing on the road and quieting the crowd,” he said afterward. “I love it. I think my stats are better on the road than at home, which is crazy.”

Elsewhere in the NBA, two teams took 3-0 series leads, one a surprise and one not.

As the Spurs mourned the loss of Gregg Popovich’s wife Erin, Kevin Durant had 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists to lead the Warriors to a win and a controlling lead in No. 2 Golden State’s series with No. 7 San Antonio.

In New Orleans, the Hornets were once again able to shock the favored Blazers and took a 3-0 lead in the series with a 119-102 victory. After getting stellar performances from All-Star Anthony Davis and guards Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo in Games 1 and 2, the Pelicans got a huge boost from forward Nikola Mirotic who had 30 points, eight rebounds, three steals and a block on Thursday night.

Tonight in Game 3s, Cleveland will try to go up 2-1 in Indiana against the Pacers, the Raptors will look to take a stranglehold of their series against the Wizards by going up 3-0 in Washington and the Bucks will try to defend their home court and pull themselves out of a 0-2 series hole against the Celtics.

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