We rightfully marvel at the components that go into the highest level of playoff basketball.
We love the intensity, we are amazed at the athletic skills, we revel in the way men push themselves to the limits in pursuit of victory.
And when it all comes down to it — when you get right to the essence of winning versus losing, of exhilaration versus dejection, of going on or going home — there is often one ultimate decider.
Luck.
That fact cannot be lost on Raptors fans Tuesday of all days as they relish the one-year anniversary of The Four Bouncer, the Kawhi Leonard shot that so dramatically ended the seventh and deciding game of the Eastern Conference semifinal with the Philadelphia 76ers on that Sunday night.