Instant Replay: Sixers 100, Heat 87

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MIAMI -- The Sixers began their season with a victory over the defending world champion Miam Heat and ended things the same way with a 100-87 win on Wednesday night.

The Sixers finished the season with a 19-63 record, the third-worst mark in franchise history.

The win was the Sixers’ second in a row to give them back-to-back victories for the first time since Jan. 2 and 4.

Turning point
With Miami resting some its stars for the playoffs, the Sixers took control in the third quarter.

They shot 55 percent from the floor and forced the Heat into nine turnovers that led to 18 points. The Sixers also held the Heat to 5 of 16 shooting during the period to push their four-point halftime lead to 18 points.

Follow the leader
Thaddeus Young led six Sixers in double-figures, scoring 20 points. Michael Carter-Williams had 12 points, six rebounds and four assists to finish his rookie campaign.

Dwyane Wade had 16 points in 23 minutes for the Heat. Udonis Haslem led Miami in rebounding with 10 boards.

Stat-egic
Despite their deficiencies, the Sixers were the No. 1 team in the NBA in pace (101.7 possessions per game) and third in the NBA in points in the paint (49.3 points per game).

Against the Heat, the Sixers won the points in the paint battle, 52-28. The Sixers also held the edge in fast-break points, 22-5.

Take a bow
The Sixers’ entire team came out for its final curtain call prepared to play hard and finish the season strong.

They shot 51.4 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range. Not to mention the Sixers came out on top in rebounding, assists, steals and blocks in the game.

What’s next?
The Sixers will conduct exit interviews on Thursday with every player on the roster to evaluate the 2013-14 season and look ahead to a critical offseason.

Brett Brown has said the team will take part in both summer leagues, though the Sixers have not officially announced those plans.

With Nerlens Noel finally getting to take the court and the Sixers’ latest draft picks likely in action, there will be plenty of reason to pay attention to Brown’s squad during this offseason.

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