Joel Embiid knows how important his Game 3 buzzer-beater is for the Philadelphia 76ers. More than just taking a 3-0 lead in their playoff series, the game-winner also helps them truly move on from their 2019 heartbreak against the Toronto Raptors.

To recall, the Sixers lost to the Raptors at the death of time in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semfinals. Kawhi Leonard delivered the dagger for Toronto to slay Philly and move on to the East Finals before eventually taking the Larry O'Brien trophy.

It's one of the biggest “What ifs” in team history, one that has been remembered for the Embid crying meme. Now, however, there's no more tears for the Cameroonian.

“It felt great. Obviously we know what happened a couple years ago,”Embiid said of his game-winner, per team reporter Lauren Rosen. “They’ve got great fans. They’re loud. I knew coming into Toronto, I was definitely going to be the bad guy. It felt great, but the job is not done. We’ve got to get one more.”

While it's hard to see the Sixers losing their playoff series to a less-talented Raptors team, there's no doubt their latest win will be crucial in their attempt to make the NBA Finals.

Not only did they prove they have what it takes to win ugly games, but the buzzer-beater is also a huge confidence-booster for Joel Embiid. It is his first real clutch shot in the regular season and playoffs–going 0-of-14 in such attempts prior to Wednesday's game–so it should only help him become an even better and more dominant player.

There is still a long way to go for Philly, but they have definitely taken a step in the right direction.