The Philadelphia 76ers had a painful Thursday night, as they lost to the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
On Friday, they are having a bad day as well because of a tough memory that they will never be able to shake.
Four years ago, Kawhi Leonard, then of the Toronto Raptors, sent the 76ers home and pushed his team to the Eastern Conference Finals with one of the most amazing clutch shots in NBA history.
It has been four years since Kawhi Leonard made this shot.
One of the greatest game-winners in NBA playoffs history‼️ pic.twitter.com/65HcZeCMDM
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 12, 2023
It is rare to see Leonard get very fired up about anything.
But he was certainly feeling himself after this legendary buzzer-beater.
As for the Sixers, they walked off the court with their hearts broken.
On Friday, fans remembered the moment that was magical for the Raptors and dreadful for the 76ers.
“Still hurts,” one fan said, which is a feeling surely shared by many from Philadelphia.
Still hurts.
— Chase (@Chkpt_Chase) May 12, 2023
“This and Dame for me,” another said, reminding fans that Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has made multiple shots like this throughout his NBA tenure.
This and Dame for me
— 優木せつ菜 🇦🇷 (@nijigasakilove) May 12, 2023
Many people commented on the amazing talent of Leonard.
It is a talent that hasn’t been on display nearly enough.
That is because multiple injuries have derailed his years in the league.
People were imagining a world where Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook were all able to play together for the Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs.
Such a pity, we will never see the full potential of Kawhi cos of his injuries. Could have been all-time great without injuries.
— Arpit Bansal (@ArpitBnsl) May 12, 2023
if only we could have witnessed a healthy Westbrook, George, Leonard combo in the playoffs
— JockeyMug (@MugJockey) May 12, 2023
This is surely one of the most memorable moments from not just the playoffs, but all NBA history.
It hurts the Sixers to this day and is a badge of honor for the Raptors, who would later go on to win the Finals.
No matter where Leonard plays or how well he performs, this is a game in his career that will never be forgotten.
NEXT: Fans React To JJ Redick Interviewing For Raptors HC Position
