Embiid scores 23, has big assist in victory

PHILADELPHIA » The 76ers needed all the improbable tricks they could summon to even have a chance at winning their first play- in game in team history.

Nicolas Batum hit game shifting 3- pointers. Buddy Hield was in the mix.

Even the promise of free chicken nuggets was enough to revive an offense and smother the boos from Philly fans that rained inside the arena. But in crunch time, the game came down to Joel Embiid. Always Joel Embiid.

With the NBA MVP on the court, the 76ers proved they have a shot at a long postseason run.

Embiid had 23 points, 15 rebounds and one huge assist to Kelly Oubre Jr. on a go- ahead t hree- point play that led the 76ers to a 105104 win over t he M iami Heat in t he E astern C onference play- in tournament on Wednesday night.

“Lots of booing,” Embiid said, smiling. “We stuck together. It j ust shows you that I don’t play my best, I don’t get to my spots the whole game until the fourth quarter, and we still find a way to win.”

The 76ers earned t he No. 7 seed and advanced to play the second- seeded New York K nicks in t he o pening round of t he E astern Conference playoffs. Game 1 is S aturday at Madison Square Garden.

The Heat host the winner of the night’s late play- in game between Chicago and Atlanta on F riday night, with the winner getting the No. 8 seed.

The 76ers played this one like it was Game 7 — and with good reason. They like their chances against the upstart Knicks rather than playing for the No. 8 seed and a date with the NBA’S best, the Boston Celtics.

That’s what Miami faces if it can get out of Friday’s game and make the playoffs.