Heroic masked Embiid returns to lift 76ers to crucial Game 3 win as Mavericks finally end Suns jinx

By Jack Bantock, CNN

Updated 1033 GMT (1833 HKT) May 7, 2022

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(CNN)Donning a protective face mask, Joel Embiid looked and acted the role of superhero on Friday night.

Recovering from an orbital fracture and a torn thumb ligament, the 28-year-old cleared concussion protocols just hours before the Philadelphia 76ers crucial Game 3 clash with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals.All that was missing was a hero's cape, as Embiid proceeded to score 18 points to help keep the 76ers' playoff dreams alive with a 99-79 victory at Wells Fargo Center. Adding a game-high 11 rebounds and an assist, Embiid's efforts helped the 76ers tear away in the fourth quarter to cut the Heat's advantage to 2-1 in the best-of-seven