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Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from thrilling Game 7 win vs. 76ers

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images /

On the final play of Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Toronto Raptors came out victorious thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s incredible buzzer-beater.

For the second time in franchise history, the Toronto Raptors are advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their second round series against the Philadelphia 76ers was testing, long and entertaining.

Kawhi Leonard was sensational, to say the least. He carried the load offensively for his team, including one historic, series-clinching buzzer-beater. Leonard, despite his third quarter shooting slump in Game 7, led the way for the Raptors with 41 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals on 16-of-39 shooting.

Serge Ibaka provided a must-needed spark off the bench contributing 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three makes from deep, shooting 6-for-10 on the night. Kyle Lowry had his typical hustle production even though he struggled shooting the ball. He finished with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals on 4-of-13 shooting. Pascal Siakam had a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals.

For the Sixers, Joel Embiid posted a double-double of his own with a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds on 6-of-18 shooting. Since his most productive Game 3 performance, Embiid was held under 36 percent shooting in three of the final four games.

Jimmy Butler, who was the most consistent contributor for his team in this series, was held under 20 points for the second time Sunday night, finishing with 16 points on 5-of-14 shooting. All five of Philly’s starters were in double digits and contributed 15 of the team’s 17 turnovers.

Both teams were struggling to produce offense Sunday night, especially at the start of the game. The Raptors were 5-for-24 in the first quarter, while the Sixers were 5-for-19. The offense eventually picked up and the Raptors had the lead to end the first frame, 18-13. The second quarter was the highest offensive output for both teams as the Sixers cut the lead to 4 to end the half.

The Raptors to start the third was great, building their lead to as many as nine points. The Sixers responded with a 16-0 run of their own to take the lead for the second time in the game. During that stretch the Raptors were 0-for-10, including Leonard’s 0-for-6. Lowry made some key defensive hustle plays to get his team back into rhythm and regain the lead.

The Raptors led 67-64 to end the third quarter, and the final frame was a back-and-forth affair. Toronto had a few game-saving defensive possessions to stay on top. After a Kawhi missed free throw, Jimmy Butler was able to get the game-tying bucket with seconds to spare. Then this happened:

It was a hard-fought series between the Raptors and the Sixers. Sunday night was truly a battle between two juggernauts desperate to not have their season ended. Here are the three takeaways from the Raptors’ thrilling Game 7 win.