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Joel Embiid leaves court in tears after 76ers lose on Kawhi Leonard buzzer-beater

Andrew Joseph, For The WinPublished 10:08 p.m. ET May 12, 2019

The 2019 NBA playoffs will likely serve as a wake-up call for Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid.

The All-Star center battled illness and fatigue all series long, and by the time Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard shocked the Sixers with a bouncing, series-clinching, buzzer-beater in Game 7, Embiid could be seen exiting the court as an emotionally drained (and devastated) star.

As Leonard's shot – which was made over Embiid – finally dropped, Embiid stood there in shock. He put his hands on his head and then made his way around the court to congratulate the Raptors players – all while holding back tears. Marc Gasol was the first player who approached Embiid to offer words of encouragement.

Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid embrace after Game 7.

his way into the tunnel, Embiid was visibly crying. It was a crushing loss, and you could see how he was After the game, head coach Brett Brown said that the experience was something that Embiid would remember forever – and it could be used as a motivating force.

Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid embrace after Game 7. (Photo: Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports)

For all his struggles with health and conditioning this postseason, Embiid finished Sunday's game with 21 points and 11 rebounds in 45 minutes.