The Philadelphia 76ers have given fans plenty to cheer about over the past decade, with unforgettable playoff moments that sent shockwaves through the Wells Fargo Center and beyond.
These five moments stand out as the most thrilling, emotional, and game-changing highlights of recent Sixers postseason runs. Just like a high-stakes spin at Allyspin, these moments kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s basketball or Allyspin, timing and intensity make all the difference.
Philadelphia is a city built on passion, loyalty, and resilience, and few teams embody that spirit more than the 76ers. Through rebuilds, injuries, buzzer-beaters, and near misses, the Sixers have delivered some of the most dramatic playoff moments in recent NBA memory.
From Joel Embiid’s emotional performances to jaw-dropping finishes that left fans breathless, these moments have defined an era of basketball in Philly.
Whether the team advanced or fell short, the impact of these plays lives on in the hearts of fans.
1) Kawhi Leonard’s Buzzer-Beater That Silenced Philly
While it was a heartbreak for Sixers fans, Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals against Philadelphia remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. The shot bounced four times on the rim before falling in, knocking the Sixers out of the playoffs in a 92-90 loss.
Joel Embiid’s tearful reaction after the game showed just how much the team had invested in that playoff run. Though it wasn’t a Sixers highlight in the traditional sense, the drama and intensity of that moment captured the emotions of a franchise on the brink. It also fueled Embiid’s transformation into one of the league’s most dominant players, reminding fans just how cruel and beautiful playoff basketball can be. The emotional rollercoaster of that night echoed the same kind of unpredictability fans might experience in a big win at Allyspin.
2) Joel Embiid’s 40-Point Performance Against the Hawks
In the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Sixers faced off against the Atlanta Hawks in a rollercoaster of a series. One of the standout moments came in Game 2, when Joel Embiid dropped 40 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Sixers to a 118-102 victory.
Coming off a small meniscus tear, Embiid’s performance was nothing short of heroic. He played through pain and delivered one of the most dominant big-man playoff games in recent memory. The crowd fed off his energy, and the Wells Fargo Center felt like a fortress. It was a statement game that solidified Embiid’s reputation as a player who thrives under pressure and can carry his team on the biggest stage. Like a surprise jackpot at Allyspin, this game was a reward for those who never stopped believing.
3) Tyrese Maxey Igniting the Crowd in His Playoff Breakout
The 2022 playoffs marked the arrival of Tyrese Maxey as a true star in the making. In Game 1 of the Sixers’ first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, Maxey exploded for 38 points, electrifying the home crowd and setting the tone for the series.
His speed, fearlessness, and shot-making had the arena buzzing, and the performance felt like a passing of the torch moment. Maxey’s energy lifted the entire team and gave fans hope for the future. It was the kind of playoff moment that makes you believe in the next generation of Sixers leadership. The excitement was pure, immediate, and thrilling—just like when a spin at Allyspin delivers that unexpected, game-changing win.
These five moments represent the highs and heartbreaks that come with being a Sixers fan. Through each shot, each roar of the crowd, and each unforgettable performance, the team continues to define what playoff basketball means in Philadelphia.
PHOTO: Jason Leung/Unsplash
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