2019 NBA champ claims he would have retired if he had spoiled Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner

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Kawhi Leonard only spent one season with the Toronto Raptors, but in that short time, he led them to their first NBA championship.

Before his move to Toronto in 2018, Leonard’s relationship with the San Antonio Spurs had completely broken down.

He had hoped to join the Los Angeles Lakers at first, but a single decision by Magic Johnson ended up closing that door.

Looking back now, his time in Toronto worked out better than anyone could have expected. That 2019 playoff run was full of unforgettable moments.

Serge Ibaka revisits Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner vs the Philadelphia 76ers

During that playoff run, Leonard’s shot in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers became an instant classic. The ball rattled around the rim before finally dropping, adding even more drama to the moment.

Serge Ibaka was with the Raptors at that point and found himself right in the thick of it during that moment.

“Honestly, I didn’t believe that shot was going to go in. I was like ‘No way.’ I was ready to go for an offensive rebound, so I was almost close to tipping the ball,” he said on Hello and Welcome podcast

“I was like ‘Oh my god!’”

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Serge Ibaka reflects on what might have been if he interfered with Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner

In the end, Ibaka stayed clear of the ball, and the Raptors moved on.

Following that legendary game, they went on to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals and claimed their first NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors.

Ibaka was clear about what it would have meant for him if he had got in the way of that shot.

“If I had touched that ball, I’d have to retire because there’s no way you come back from that. When the ball was bouncing, I was ready to go, ready to tip off. Thank god I didn’t touch that ball,” he said.

Ibaka continued his career for several more seasons after that moment. He has not officially retired yet but has been out of the league since 2022-23.