FOX Sports analyst and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe thinks the Toronto Raptors are going to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the second round because of Kawhi Leonard.
Sharpe says this Game 7 is the main reason why the Raptors traded fan favorite DeMar DeRozan to get Leonard, a player who has a history of being clutch in big games:
That's why the Raptors got Kawhi and gave up DeMar DeRozan. Chris Bosh left, Vince Carter left, Tracy McGrady left. There's no guarantee Kawhi is going to stay. Game 7 is why they got him and watch what happens on Sunday.
via @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/tEX3l9sS4c
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 10, 2019
"The Raptors are trying to erase demons of the past. We know what happened last year, they were the No. 1 seed and got swept. I believe [in] Toronto with Kawhi. … I like Toronto to win Game 7 and move on to face the Milwaukee Bucks." — @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/99l2LCQKpE
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 10, 2019




Leonard has been nothing short of spectacular in the 2019 playoffs for the Raptors. The three-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 31.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 56.3 percent from the field, 43.5 percent from beyond the arc and 86.7 percent from the free-throw line.
The Raptors are trying to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in franchise history. Leonard is a former Finals MVP, so you know he's going to bring it in Game 7. Hopefully, Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Danny Green follow suit, as they have been inconsistent all postseason.
The Raptors fought hard all season to get the No. 2 seed in the East. That's why Game 7 will be on their home floor. You know the crowd in Toronto is going to be electric from start to finish. We'll see if Leonard and Co. can deliver the goods against Philly.