Philadelphia 76ers: 5 most heartbreaking playoff losses in franchise history
By Uriah Young
1. 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals — 76ers vs. Raptors, Game 7
You know the commercial where Kawhi Leonard shares the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger? It emphasizes how Kawhi is now the Terminator of the NBA. Well, Sixers fans can attest to this after watching him almost single-handedly dismantle the entire Sixers squad in the 2019 playoffs. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons underperformed, as Toronto’s homecourt advantage and “The Klaw” brought the Sixers’ season to a dramatic and devastating end.
You might have seen “The Shot” — a quadruple-bounce game winner. Just seconds before Kawhi’s nail in the Sixers’ coffin, Philly was still in it. When Tobias Harris rebounded the ball after a missed free-throw, he outletted it to Jimmy Butler. After Butler made a layup and tied the game with only 4.2 seconds on the clock, every Sixers fan was on their knees praying for a chance to force overtime.
What ensued was a controversial non-travel call by Kawhi, who caught the ball, dribbled right, and shot a rainbow in the corner over the outstretched hands of Joel Embiid. The ball took an eternity to go in. When it finally did, Kawhi showed expression uncharacteristic for a cyborg, and Embiid felt pain that brought tears like Niagara Falls.
The Raptors eventually went on to defeat the depleted Golden State Warriors in The Finals, and the 76ers entered the offseason with more questions than answers for 2020.
The Philadelphia 76ers would have started the playoffs this week, but their hopes for a championship this year lay dormant like every other team. This trip down memory lane will remind you of what could have been. Their next chance to escape from the cage of disheartening defeat will have to wait until the pandemic ends.
Next. 3 players who may not return next season. dark
Agree with the order of heartbreaking losses? Did one in particular miss the list? Let us know in the comment section.