The 5 best personal beefs from Heat-76ers Game 3

Bad blood ran rampant between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series Thursday night.

Heading into Game 3, the big story of the Sixers-Heat first-round series was Joel Embiid’s surprise return from a 10-game absence. After listing Embiid as doubtful Thursday morning, the Sixers unexpectedly upgraded him to probable in the afternoon, setting the stage for his first taste of playoff action.

One rough-and-tumble 128-108 victory for the Sixers later, the storyline du jour was beef. Or beefs, to be more accurate.

Feuds broke out left and right at American Airlines Arena on Thursday, as the two teams engaged in a knockdown, drag-out battle for home-court advantage. In total, the Sixers and Heat combined for 56 personal fouls and three double-technicals, keeping the officiating crew plenty busy all night.

There’s been no love lost between Embiid and Heat center Hassan Whiteside dating back to the 2016-17 season, but their respective teammates joined the fray Thursday night. After Miami increased its physicality in Game 2 and out-toughed the Sixers in a 113-103 victory, both squads came ready for war this time around.

Let’s walk through the best beefs to emerge from Philly’s hard-fought Game 3 win over the Heat.

Next: 5. Joel Embiid vs. Hassan Whiteside