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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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Kawhi Leonard called series

Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard was absolutely in beast-mode Sunday night. He took the most shots (39), had the most points (41), played the second-most minutes (43) and was exceptional on both ends of the floor.

The offense ran through Leonard through thick or thin for majority of the night. Most of his teammates were reluctant to shoot, which provided the opportunity for him to rise to the challenge. He was clutch in the final stretches, scoring 15 of the team’s 25 points in the final. He missed one of his two crucial free throws, which led to a Butler game-tying layup on the end.

The Raptors called their final timeout with 4.5 seconds left on the clock. On the final possession, no one will ever forget what happened next:

If it wasn’t for Leonard, the Raptors wouldn’t be advancing to the conference finals for the second time in four years. In this series, he averaged 34.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 made 3s per game on 53.9 percent shooting from the field.

Next. Each team's greatest NBA Draft pick of all-time. dark

He is Toronto’s most valuable player and will continue to lead his team in hopes of the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance and conference championship.