We’re several weeks into our worldwide attempt to “flatten the curve” and have been offering daily escapes into the sporting events of yesteryear through our “Filling The Void” series. We’ve looked back on the inspiring, mind-boggling and remarkable events as well as the ordinary, daily games we’ve been missing in our lives. We here at The Turf Sports sincerely hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and being safe through these trying days. We’d also like to take a moment to send out a huge THANK YOU to all of those front-line folks keeping society going – from the medical community to those stocking grocery store shelves, delivering supplies around the country or helping us all fight this virus together in some other essential, invaluable way. You are all heroes.

Today: Kawhi Leonard beats the buzzer, sends the 76ers packing.

“Trust the process” has been the mantra in Philadelphia for years. As the 76ers fell to the bottom of the standings, fans became tired of seeing their beloved franchise in the sewers of the NBA. However, three years removed from a 10-win season, the 76ers are one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. A lot of that is thanks to those years in the basement. With young stars like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons acquired in the draft, alongside veterans like Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and J.J. Reddick, the Sixers looked Finals bound.

For the last 19 years, the 76ers have remained with their faces pressed up against the glass, looking in at the Eastern Conference Finals. And now they are so close to finally being on the other side, all they have to do is beat the Toronto Raptors.

That’s easier said than done.

The Toronto Raptors made a splash in the offseason, dealing for Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard. However, Kawhi’s services came at a cost. In order to attain the San Antonio star, the Raptors sent DeMar DeRozan to Texas, splitting up the dynamic duo of DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

The breakup was ugly. Kawhi reportedly thought about sitting out the season, DeRozan was rumored to have felt betrayed, and he’s not wrong to feel that way. After spending years building something north of the border, DeRozan was sent away just before things began to crystalize.

And now, they are one win away from the franchise’s second trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Which team will make it to the promised land? Well, there are four quarters to play and this one comes down to the last shot.

See You Tomorrow. Stay Safe. Stay Smart. Wash Your Hands.