The Miami Heat didn’t miss a beat without Tyler Herro — or rookie guard VJ Edgecombe — defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 127-117 on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The win marked Miami’s fourth straight, pushing their record to 11-6, while the 76ers fell to 9-7 after playing their first game without Edgecombe, sidelined by left calf tightness. But the bigger story? The Heat didn’t just win — they overwhelmed the 76ers inside, outscoring them 64-42 in the paint, and closed the game with a 13-2 run when Philly threatened to steal it.
Norman Powell Carries the Offense
Norman Powell was electric, dropping a game-high 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including four three-pointers, along with four rebounds and two steals. He didn’t just score — he scored when it mattered. With the 76ers clawing back to within two points at 105-103 with 8:28 left, Powell answered with a driving layup at the 4:40 mark that stretched Miami’s lead to 13. It was the kind of clutch play that separates contenders from pretenders. "He’s been calm under pressure all season," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra after the game. "Tonight, he just made every big shot look routine."
Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 22 points on a blistering 10-for-12 from the field, while Bam Adebayo chipped in 18 points and 11 rebounds. But the real surprise? Kel'el Ware, the 20-year-old rookie center, turned heads with 20 points and a career-high 16 rebounds — 10 of them on the defensive end. His presence altered the game’s rhythm, forcing the 76ers to shoot over him instead of through him.
76ers’ Struggles Mount Without Embiid and Edgecombe
Philadelphia’s offense still had flashes. Tyrese Maxey, the league’s second-leading scorer at 33.4 points per game coming in, poured in 27 points and six assists — but it wasn’t enough. He was visibly frustrated after the game, shaking his head as he walked off the court. "We had chances," Maxey said. "We just didn’t finish."
Andre Drummond, playing his 14th NBA season, dominated the glass with 23 rebounds — his highest total since 2022 — but the 76ers couldn’t convert those opportunities into points. They finished 7-for-21 from three and turned the ball over 16 times, including six in the fourth quarter. And the absence of Joel Embiid? It’s no longer a footnote — it’s a defining flaw. The former MVP has missed 10 of the team’s 16 games this season due to right knee injury management. Without him, Philadelphia’s interior defense collapses, and their offensive spacing evaporates.
Even rookie VJ Edgecombe’s absence loomed large. The 2025 first-round pick had been a spark plug off the bench, averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 assists in his first 10 games. His quickness and defensive energy were missed, especially against Miami’s aggressive ball movement. "We knew he’d be out," said 76ers coach Nick Nurse. "But we didn’t expect the drop-off to be this steep. We’re not just missing a player — we’re missing a system.
Third Quarter Curse and the Heat’s Depth Advantage
The 76ers have been historically bad in third quarters this season, allowing an average of 31.8 points per frame — the worst in the NBA. On Sunday, they surrendered 34 points in the third, including a 12-2 Miami run that turned a 78-77 lead into a 90-79 advantage. "It’s like we forget how to play," said guard De’Anthony Melton after the game. "We get momentum, then we just… stop."
Meanwhile, Miami’s depth kept coming. With Tyler Herro out for the fourth straight game due to a lingering hamstring strain, the Heat got production from their bench: Justin Edwards added 11 points and three steals, while De’Anthony Melton (who played for Philly) was outplayed by his former teammates’ rotation. The Heat’s second unit outscored Philadelphia’s 41-28 — a testament to Spoelstra’s ability to rotate without sacrificing intensity.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
This was the first of three matchups between the Heat and 76ers this season. The next two — one in Miami, one in Philadelphia — could decide playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. Miami’s four-game win streak is their longest since 2023. They’re now tied with the Celtics for second in the East, just behind the Bucks. The 76ers, meanwhile, are clinging to the seventh seed. With Embiid’s return date still uncertain — and no timeline given by the team — their window to climb the standings is narrowing.
And then there’s the bigger picture: Miami’s ability to win without their star guard, and Philadelphia’s inability to win without their franchise player. The Heat aren’t just surviving without Herro — they’re thriving. The 76ers? They’re a one-man show with a shaky foundation. That’s not sustainable in April.
Game Stats Snapshot
- Miami Heat: 127 points, 49.8% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 64 points in the paint
- Philadelphia 76ers: 117 points, 45.1% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 42 points in the paint
- Rebounds: Miami 49, Philadelphia 57 (Drummond: 23)
- Assists: Miami 28, Philadelphia 24
- Turnovers: Miami 11, Philadelphia 16
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t perfect. But for Miami, it was another win — and another sign they’re building something real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VJ Edgecombe’s absence affect the 76ers’ offense?
Edgecombe’s absence hurt Philadelphia’s bench scoring and defensive energy. He averaged 8.2 points and 3.1 assists in his first 10 games, often guarding elite guards and sparking fast breaks. Without him, the 76ers’ second unit scored only 28 points — 13 fewer than their season average. His quickness helped transition offense, and his absence forced Nick Nurse to over-rely on Tyrese Maxey, who ended up taking 24 shots — his highest volume since his 54-point game.
Why is Joel Embiid’s absence so damaging to the 76ers?
Embiid’s presence opens the floor — he draws double-teams, creates space for shooters, and anchors the defense. Without him, Philadelphia’s offense becomes predictable, and their paint defense collapses. In games he’s missed this season, they’ve allowed 121.3 points per 100 possessions — the worst in the league. They’re 1-9 in those games, and their offensive rating drops by 11.7 points per 100 possessions. He’s not just a scorer — he’s their entire system.
What makes the Heat so effective without Tyler Herro?
Miami’s depth and system compensate for Herro’s absence. Players like Norman Powell, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel'el Ware have stepped up offensively, while Erik Spoelstra’s rotations keep energy high. The Heat are now 4-0 without Herro this season, averaging 122.3 points per game — higher than when he’s playing. Their ball movement (28 assists per game) and paint dominance (64 points per game) show they’re built to win without one star.
Why did the Heat dominate the paint so badly?
Without Embiid, Philadelphia’s interior defense is thin. Andre Drummond is a rebounding machine, but he’s not a shot-blocker or rim protector. Meanwhile, Kel'el Ware and Bam Adebayo exploited mismatches, finishing at the rim with ease. Miami’s guards drove into the lane 43 times — 17 more than Philadelphia’s guards — and converted 28 of those into points. The Heat’s offensive strategy was simple: attack early, finish strong, and let the paint become a death trap.
Is this game a sign the Heat are serious Eastern Conference contenders?
Absolutely. Winning on the road against a team with Maxey and Drummond — even without Embiid — proves Miami can win tough, physical games. They’re now 6-1 against teams with winning records, and their bench is the deepest in the East. With 11 wins in their first 17 games, they’re on pace for 58 wins. If they stay healthy, they’re not just a playoff team — they’re a Finals threat.
When will Joel Embiid return?
The 76ers have not announced a return date. Coach Nick Nurse said Embiid is "progressing well" but emphasized "no rush." He’s missed 10 of 16 games and hasn’t played since November 10. With the team’s record slipping, pressure is mounting — but the organization insists they’re prioritizing long-term health over short-term wins. His next possible return could be after the All-Star break, but that’s speculation.