PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks picked up much-needed wins after dropping the first two games of their respective conference semifinal series.
Joel Embiid returned to help the 76ers earn a 99-79 win over the Heat, cutting Miami’s lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Embiid delivered 18 points and 11 rebounds while wearing a black facemask. He was back after missing the first two games of the series with a fractured orbital bone and a mild concussion.
Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey each had 21 points for the Sixers, who allowed just 34 points in the first half and 14 in the fourth quarter.
Jimmy Butler had a game-high 33 points for the Heat, but the rest of Miami’s starters combined for 22.
Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia.
Luka Doncic carried the Mavericks to a 103-94 win over the Suns, providing 26 points and 13 rebounds. Doncic just missed a triple-double with nine assists, while Jalen Brunson led Dallas with 28 points after struggling in the two losses in Phoenix.
The Suns’ starting All-Star guards had tough nights. Chris Paul had seven turnovers in the first half on his 37th birthday. Devin Booker scored 18 but was just 2 of 7 inside the 3-point line. Paul had 12 on just nine shots.
Jae Crowder had a team-high 19 points for the Suns, who stay in Dallas for Game 4 on Sunday.
Mavs fined
NEW YORK (AP) — The Mavericks have been fined $25,000 for players and coaches straying too far onto the court from the bench in a Game 2 loss to Phoenix in the NBA’s Western Conference semifinals.
Coach Jason Kidd is criticizing the decision, saying the league is focusing on the wrong things and says cheering for teammates should be celebrated.
