Whatever doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger, right? Losing is the best teacher, just ask Michael Jordan.
Well, one year ago today, Kawhi Leonard made us learn the hard way, breaking the hearts of the Philadelphia 76ers and its fan base with his buzzer-beating shot in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Kawhi hit the biggest shot in Raptors history one year ago today.(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/hkzPDmBRTd
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 12, 2020The Raptors took the best-of-seven conference semifinal with a 92-90 victory in decisive Game 7 and went on to win the NBA Championship. Leonard had 41 points in the game, including the game winning two at the buzzer that rimmed in after he faded away form the corner with Joel Embiid contesting the shot as best as he could.
We all still remember Jo in tears after the game.
Of course, the following offseason Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick were not retained, Tobias Harris was to the tune of a mega contract extension, and Josh Richardson and Al Horford were brought in. While their first regular season was largely disappointing and injury riddled, the new unit was hoping to make a run in the playoffs before the 2020 NBA season was suspended due to COVID-19.
As it stands now, as the No. 6 seed, the Sixers would face the No. 3 seeded Boston Celtics in the first-round of the playoffs if/when the season resumes.
