The Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors have been virtual equals all series. A couple blowouts each way, as well as some narrow victories on the road. That naturally means Game 7, with the Sixers looking to make one final statement on the road.
Toronto entered the series as prohibitive favorites, boasting the best player in Kawhi Leonard and more collective postseason experience. The Raptors were also the better team all season, showing more cohesion than the new-look Sixers.
But talent sometimes outweighs both fit and chemistry. The Sixers aren’t perfect, but there has been considerable growth over the past two series.