Analysis: 76ers-Raptors, Blazers-Nuggets set for high-stakes Game 7 doubleheader
Kawhi Leonard is seeking to carry the Toronto Raptors to just their second Eastern Conference finals trip in franchise history. By Ben Golliver Ben Golliver NBA reporter Email Bio Follow May 11 at 11:40 AM HOUSTON — The NBA appeared headed for a delectable triple-header of Game 7s on Mother’s Day, but Stephen Curry had other ideas.
The East showdown is a pressure-cooker, pitting two teams who have spent the past 12 months aggressively pursuing mercenaries, while the West’s is a battle between two organizations whose long-term organic roster constructions could pay off with an unexpected berth in the conference finals. A win Sunday would represent the pinnacle moment of the past decade for all four franchises.
The Raptors are angling for just the second conference finals trip in franchise history. In 2016, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers blitzed them off the court to end their deepest playoff run in perfunctory fashion. This year looks to represent a better shot at reaching the NBA Finals, as Leonard is better than any player on their team from two seasons ago. The Bucks, as talented as they are, lack a player with James’s championship credentials.
Philadelphia finds itself in nearly the same predicament. Butler and Harris will both be seeking max-level contracts as free agents, and guard J.J. Redick will hit the market, too. A loss might also raise another round of questions about the long-term fit between Embiid and Simmons, whose offensive styles tend to clash.
Jokic is only 24, but the Serbian 7-footer has averaged 22.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in the playoffs and has keyed Denver’s offensive with his bruising scoring and brilliant passing. Murray, a 22-year-old Canadian point guard, has fought off questions about his inconsistency to settle in as a reliable scorer and clutch late-game performer.
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