Norman Powell’s Early Exit Looms Large as Miami Heat Drop 124-117 Road Game to 76ers

Miami loses momentum after second-quarter injury, can’t close late in Philadelphia

The Miami Heat’s 124-117 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, February 26, 2026, featured a pivotal turning point before halftime: guard Norman Powell left the game with a right groin strain and did not return. Miami played the final two quarters without a primary perimeter scorer who had been listed as questionable before tipoff with right groin soreness.

Powell exited with 4:46 remaining in the second quarter. He finished with three points, three rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes. Tyler Herro replaced him, and Miami’s rotation tightened as the Heat tried to offset the loss of spacing and shot creation on the wing.

Philadelphia’s first-half surge set the tone

Philadelphia led 73-57 at halftime after outscoring Miami 37-22 in the second quarter. Tyrese Maxey powered the early advantage, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and finishing with 28 points and 11 assists. Maxey also set the 76ers’ franchise record for career three-pointers, surpassing Allen Iverson during the opening period.

Joel Embiid added 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 21. The 76ers’ offensive balance helped them withstand Miami’s second-half push and late-game pressure.

Miami’s rally came up short in the final minutes

Despite the deficit, the Heat climbed back into the game and briefly took a fourth-quarter lead. Bam Adebayo posted 29 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring Miami’s interior offense and keeping the Heat within striking distance on a night when perimeter options shifted after Powell’s exit. Herro scored 25 and hit a key three that gave Miami its first lead late, but the Heat did not score again in the closing stretch.

Philadelphia closed with free throws and timely shooting, including a late Embiid three, to secure the seven-point win.

Key takeaways

• Powell’s injury altered Miami’s second-half rotation and reduced the team’s perimeter scoring depth.

• Maxey’s record-setting first quarter and overall playmaking (11 assists) provided Philadelphia’s offensive foundation.

• Miami’s comeback effort cut a 16-point halftime deficit to a one-possession game, but late execution favored the 76ers.

Final score: 76ers 124, Heat 117 (Miami: 35-22-34-26; Philadelphia: 36-37-26-25).

What’s next

Miami’s schedule continues Saturday at home against the Houston Rockets. Philadelphia’s next game is Sunday night on the road against the Boston Celtics.