“The Shot That Broke Philly”: Kawhi Leonard’s Buzzer-Beater Still Echoes Through NBA History
In the world of professional basketball, few moments transcend the sport and become etched into cultural memory. Kawhi Leonard’s Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 NBA Playoffs was one of those moments — a shot so surreal, so dramatic, and so consequential that it continues to ripple through the league more than half a decade later.
As we move through the 2025 NBA offseason, Leonard’s legacy is once again a topic of conversation, not just because of what he continues to do with the Los Angeles Clippers, but because that single shot in 2019 is still being ranked among the most iconic plays in NBA history. The Philadelphia 76ers have since experienced numerous disappointments, but none may have shifted the trajectory of their franchise more than that heartbreaking night in Toronto.
A Moment That Shaped Two Franchises
The date was May 12, 2019. The Toronto Raptors were hosting the Philadelphia 76ers in a do-or-die Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the game tied at 90 and the final seconds ticking off the clock, Kawhi Leonard received the inbound pass, drove to the right corner with Ben Simmons trailing and Joel Embiid closing in, and launched a high-arching fadeaway jumper.
Then… silence.
The ball hit the rim.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Four bounces.
And then — it dropped.
The arena erupted. Leonard crouched in the corner, watching the ball fall in as if time had frozen. Embiid walked off the court with tears in his eyes. It wasn’t just a shot — it was a turning point in NBA history.
2025: Why the Shot Still Resonates
It’s now 2025, and basketball fans, analysts, and historians still revisit that moment. Earlier this summer, CBS Sports ranked Leonard’s buzzer-beater as the 4th most iconic shot in the NBA over the past 25 years. That list includes legends like Ray Allen, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard. Yet Leonard’s moment stands apart — it was the first and only Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA playoff history.
Why does it still matter?
Because it’s a rare example of a single play altering the course of multiple careers and franchises.
The Fallout in Philadelphia
Let’s talk about what happened after the shot — because Kawhi Leonard didn’t just win a series, he effectively broke up one of the most promising rosters of the era.
The 2018-2019 Philadelphia 76ers had assembled a star-studded lineup that featured Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and JJ Redick. They were one shot away from reaching the Conference Finals. Some analysts believed they were good enough to win the title.
Instead, the front office panicked.
Jimmy Butler was traded to the Miami Heat. JJ Redick left in free agency. The Sixers overpaid to bring in Al Horford, and within a few seasons, Ben Simmons’s struggles became a focal point of criticism, eventually leading to his departure as well.
Fast forward to 2025, and Joel Embiid still hasn’t made it past the second round.
All of this began with Kawhi Leonard’s dagger.
Kawhi Leonard: The Quiet Superstar
What makes the moment even more iconic is that it came from Kawhi Leonard, one of the NBA’s most enigmatic and quiet superstars. He’s not flashy. He doesn’t seek the spotlight. He doesn’t deliver monologues in press conferences.
He lets his game — and in this case, his shot — do the talking.
In that 2019 postseason, Leonard averaged 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, leading the Raptors through Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks and eventually toppling the injury-depleted Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. He was named Finals MVP, his second time receiving the honor (the first came in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs).
2023-2025: Kawhi’s Ongoing Impact in LA
After winning the title with Toronto, Leonard made a highly publicized move to the Los Angeles Clippers. While injuries have interrupted his quest for another ring, Kawhi remains one of the most efficient and impactful two-way players in the game when healthy.
In the 2023-24 NBA season, Leonard played in 68 games, his highest total since the 2016-17 season, showcasing his dedication and improved durability. However, he was limited to only 37 games in the 2024-25 campaign due to a lingering knee issue.
Yet when Leonard is on the court, the Clippers are dangerous. His 21.5 points per game on 49.8% shooting and a remarkable 41.1% from three in 2024-25 underline that he remains elite.
Tyronn Lue Shuts Down Kawhi’s Load Management Narrative
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue recently appeared on Club Shay Shay and addressed the growing criticisms of Leonard’s load management habits.
“I feel sorry for him, you know? Because all the work he puts in — we see it every day. What it takes for him to get on the floor on a consistent basis — it’s a grind,” Lue explained. “He doesn’t want to sit out. He wants to win championships.”
Lue emphasized that the decision to rest Leonard often comes from the medical staff, not the player himself.
This perspective reframes Leonard’s image: not as someone avoiding the grind, but as someone willing to push his body to the brink, often needing to be protected from himself.
2025-26 Outlook: Can Kawhi Do It Again?
As the Clippers prepare for the 2025-26 season, questions remain about Leonard’s availability and how he’ll be managed. But one thing is clear: if Kawhi Leonard is healthy, the Clippers are legitimate contenders.
They’ve added veteran depth around Leonard and James Harden, improved their bench, and prioritized rest and recovery. The strategy is simple: keep Kawhi fresh for April, May, and maybe June.
Because when the moment calls for greatness, Leonard answers — quietly, decisively, and often, iconically.
Final Thoughts: One Bounce, Endless Impact
Kawhi Leonard’s Game 7 shot against the Sixers wasn’t just a basketball play — it was a cinematic moment of legend, the kind of drama that defines a career and haunts a franchise.
As long as basketball is played, that shot will be replayed.
And maybe, just maybe, somewhere in Philadelphia, fans still hear the echo of that final bounce.
