Released rapper Mill sees 76ers KO Heat

Joel Embiid hoisted diminutive comedian Kevin Hart not unlike the way a parent would toss up a toddler. Embiid then pulled him in for a hug as confetti rained on the court, team flags waved around them and the promise of a rowdy late-night celebration was on deck.

Hart grabbed the mic and yelled, “Let’s give it up for Joel Embiid!” Believe it, Philly. The 76ers are rolling in the postseason — and rappers, politicians, actors and athletes are dancing along in the ride.

Embiid and Ben Simmons shined again in front of rapper Meek Mill, and the dominant duo ushered the nightmares-into-dreams Process of the Philadelphia 76ers into the second round with a 104-91 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

The 76ers, winners of 10 games just two seasons ago, are in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 2012.

“I kind of promised the city this,” Embiid said.

The Sixers won the series 4-1 and turned the Wells Fargo Center into the wildest house party in the city. Embiid had 19 points and 12 rebounds, Simmons had 14 points and 10 boards, and the entire team was energized by Mill’s surprise appearance. Mill made a dramatic return hours after Pennsylvania’s highest court ordered him freed while he appeals decade-old gun and drug convictions.

He was taken from prison by helicopter to Philadelphia, where he rang the ceremonial bell at the start of Game 5.

“Welcome home Meek Mill,” was about all that was heard from the public address announcer as wild cheers drowned out the rest. Mill sat courtside next to Hart and Sixers coowner Michael Rubin.

Before the game, Mill visited privately with the Sixers in their locker room.

“For him to come to this type of game ... I was just happy,” Embiid said.

Celtics 92, Bucks 87

In Boston, Al Horford had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Marcus Smart made an impact in his first game since mid-March and the Celtics beat the Bucks for a 3-2 lead in their first-round series.

Warriors 99, Spurs 91

In Oakland, Calif., Kevin Durant scored 25 points and Draymond Green added 17 as the Warriors beat the Gregg Popovich-less Spurs to advance into the second round.