Heat Edge 76ers 127-117 as Powell Drops 32 in Philly, Extend Win Streak to Four
The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Philadelphia 76ers — they outlasted them in a physical, high-octane battle that felt like a playoff preview. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, the Heat pulled away late for a 127-117 win, extending their winning streak to four games and improving to 11-6 on the season. The real story? Norman Powell, the veteran shooting guard, came out of the gate like a man possessed, dropping a team-high 32 points, four three-pointers, and two steals — all while playing through the lingering effects of a groin strain he suffered just two nights prior in Chicago.
A Veteran’s Statement
Powell didn’t just score — he imposed his will. After sitting out the final minutes of Miami’s 143-107 demolition of the Bulls on Friday, there were real concerns about his availability. But here he was, hitting step-back threes, driving through double teams, and even drawing fouls with his crafty finishes. "He didn’t look like a guy who was holding back," said one assistant coach, speaking off the record. "He looked like he owed someone money."
His performance was matched by Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was nearly perfect: 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting, including a dazzling sequence in the third quarter where he finished three straight possessions with acrobatic layups. Jaquez’s efficiency was the quiet engine of Miami’s offense — a perfect complement to Powell’s explosive scoring.
Maxey’s Heroics, But Not Enough
For the Philadelphia 76ers, it was all about Tyrese Maxey. The 24-year-old point guard, who entered the game averaging a league-high 40.7 minutes per game and 33.4 points, gave everything he had: 27 points, six assists, and a relentless drive to keep Philly in it. He hit tough mid-range jumpers, attacked the rim with ferocity, and even drew a technical for yelling at a referee after a no-call on a drive. "I don’t really care (about the minutes)," Maxey told Field Level Media before tip-off. "I just want to win. If I have to play however much I have to play to win, then that’s what I’m going to do."
But even Maxey’s heroic effort couldn’t overcome Miami’s depth. Paul George, the Sixers’ All-Star forward, managed just eight points on 3-of-11 shooting. Andre Drummond, the veteran center, grabbed 11 rebounds but was a non-factor offensively. Jaden McCain, a rookie guard, played 14 minutes but never found his rhythm. The Sixers’ bench, which had been a strength early in the season, managed only 29 points — 31 fewer than Miami’s reserves.
Heat’s Offensive Machine Keeps Rolling
Entering this game, the Miami Heat were already the NBA’s highest-scoring team, averaging just under 125 points per game. Against Philadelphia, they didn’t just meet that standard — they exceeded it. Their 127 points came from balance: six players scored in double figures. Kel’el Ware, the 7-foot center, didn’t start but came off the bench for 12 points and eight rebounds, continuing his streak of double-digit rebounding games — now up to eight straight. His presence in the paint opened lanes for Powell and Jaquez, turning the Sixers’ defensive scheme into a maze they couldn’t escape.
And then there’s Bam Adebayo, the five-time All-Star who, despite shooting just 4-of-11 from the field, controlled the tempo with 10 rebounds and six assists. He didn’t need to score to dominate. His screens, switches, and passing were the invisible threads holding Miami’s offense together.
A Rivalry Rekindled
This was the first of three matchups between the Heat and 76ers this season — and it felt like a continuation of last year’s dominance. In the 2024-2025 season, Miami swept all four regular-season games against Philadelphia. This win makes it five straight in the series. The next meeting isn’t until February 26, 2026, but the tension is already building. The Sixers, despite their 9-7 record, look over-reliant on Maxey. The Heat? They’re deeper, more versatile, and now, clearly, the team to beat in the East.
What’s Next?
For Miami, the challenge is maintaining health. Powell’s groin strain remains a concern, and Adebayo’s minutes are being carefully managed. But with this win, they’ve shown they can win even when their stars aren’t firing on all cylinders. For Philadelphia, the questions are louder: Can Maxey stay healthy playing nearly 41 minutes a night? Can George find his shot? And can their bench produce more than 29 points on a night when they needed 40?
One thing’s clear: this isn’t just a rivalry anymore. It’s a statement series. And the Heat are writing the first chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Norman Powell’s groin strain affect his performance against the 76ers?
Despite sitting out the final minutes of Miami’s previous game against the Bulls due to a groin strain, Powell played 35 minutes against the 76ers and delivered a team-high 32 points. His movement was slightly restricted early, but he adjusted with smarter positioning and quicker releases on his jumpers. The Heat’s medical staff credited his pre-game routine and light treatment for his ability to perform at a high level.
Why is Tyrese Maxey playing so many minutes?
Maxey is playing nearly 41 minutes per game because the Sixers lack consistent backcourt depth. Starter James Harden is sidelined with a hamstring issue, and backups like Jaden McCain and Matisse Thybulle haven’t provided offensive firepower. Coach Nick Nurse has leaned on Maxey’s elite scoring and playmaking, but analysts warn that his injury risk is rising — he’s already played 1,208 minutes this season, the most in the NBA.
What makes the Miami Heat’s offense so effective this season?
Miami’s offense thrives on spacing, movement, and multiple scoring threats. With Powell, Jaquez, Adebayo, and Ware all capable of scoring in the paint or from deep, defenses can’t key in on one player. They lead the league in assists per game (29.8) and three-point shooting percentage (39.4%), and their ball movement — averaging 30+ passes per possession — creates open looks no other team can match.
How does this win impact the Eastern Conference standings?
Miami’s 11-6 record now ties them with the Boston Celtics for the second-best record in the East, just behind the New York Knicks at 12-4. The Heat’s win over Philadelphia — a team expected to challenge for the top seed — signals they’re legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, the 76ers, despite their 9-7 record, have lost three of their last four games and now trail the Heat in head-to-head tiebreakers.
What’s the significance of the Wells Fargo Center in this rivalry?
The Wells Fargo Center has been a fortress for the 76ers in recent years, with Philadelphia winning 17 of their last 20 home games against Miami dating back to 2019. But the Heat have now won three straight there, including this 127-117 victory — a sign they’ve cracked the code on playing in Philadelphia’s loud, hostile environment. The arena’s 20,318-seat capacity has rarely felt so quiet after a Heat win.