It was one of the most amazing moments in NBA playoff history. Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis, the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers were tied at 90 with just over four seconds left to go. Both teams battled throughout the contest only for the game to come down to one shot. The Raptors went out of their way to acquire forward Kawhi Leonard, injuries and momentum toward Los Angeles be damned, for moments exactly like this one. He already had 39 points in Game 7, and everyone in the building knew it was Kawhi’s time to shine on the last possession.
He did not disappoint.
Four bounces on a leaning mid range corner jump shot. It took everything to keep the 76ers from the Eastern Conference Finals, a date with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, including an otherworldly performance by the soon to be Finals MVP. What would have happened if Philly won that Game 7? Do they oust Milwaukee in the ECF? Could they have won a title over an injured Golden State Warriors team? We will never know, but the answer to that question could help determine who represents the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals this year.
With Leonard moving on to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Clips have become somewhat of the favorite by adding Leonard and Paul George in the same offseason. At the same time, the Raptors were drastically weakened, and while they can and probably will still make the postseason, it’s unlikely that they have the top end talent to win three playoff rounds in order to represent the East. A new conference champion will probably emerge. It could be the aforementioned Bucks or Sixers. It could be the Indiana Pacers if Victor Oladipo returns to full health. It could even be the Boston Celtics if Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown take steps in their development. Maybe Kyrie Irving takes the Brooklyn Nets to a new level?
That leads us to the Question of the Week: Which team will represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals this season?
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