Joel Embiid Drops 23 in Return from Injury as 76ers Take 2-1 Lead over Heat

The return of Joel Embiid helped the Philadelphia 76ers regain control in their first-round series.

Playing for the first time in three weeks because of an orbital bone fracture, the center scored 23 points in the team's 128-108 win over the Miami Heat in Game 3 on Thursday. The win gives the Sixers a 2-1 advantage as they try to win their first playoff series since 2012.

Although Goran Dragic had his best game of the playoffs so far with 23 points and eight assists, it wasn't enough.

Embiid's return from injury was the biggest story entering the game. He wore both a mask and goggles on the floor to protect his face.  

Despite the time off, he brought the same energy on the court:

Although his mask seemed to cause him discomfort, he came through with an outstanding all-around performance with seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks while also leading the team in points.

It was a high-intensity game, as six different players were awarded technical fouls.

Among the strangest moments was when Justise Winslow stepped on Embiid's mask after it had fallen to the ground:

Later, the two were involved in one of the most exciting sequences of the night:

Winslow had one of his best games of the season, totaling 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks off the bench.

Just two points separated the teams heading into the fourth quarter, but the 76ers seemed to hit everything down the stretch to pull away for a 20-point win.

Marco Belinelli and Dario Saric each made four three-pointers, combining for 42 points in the victory. They helped the 76ers finish 18-of-34 from three-point range.

Ben Simmons also showcased his ability to fill up the stat sheet with 19 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

There was little defense from either team in the first half, with the Heat going into halftime with a 64-63 lead. Nate Duncan provided a look at the advanced stats halfway through the game, featuring some impressive offensive performances:

Dragic started to come alive in the third quarter, scoring 11 of his 23 total points to give the Heat a push:

However, the 76ers were able to keep a narrow 96-94 lead after three thanks to some big shots from their bench, including Belinelli.

The visitors then scored nine of the first 10 points in the fourth, silencing the crowd as they pulled away. Dwyane Wade, who carried the Heat in Game 2, only managed eight points on 2-of-10 shooting in the loss.

The series will remain in Miami for Game 4 on Saturday, with the Heat ready to do whatever they can to avoid facing a 3-1 deficit.