The Toronto Raptors have done it again. On a night that echoed the glory of 2014 and 2019, RJ Barrett hit a miraculous three-pointer in overtime to secure a 112-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, forcing a decisive Game 7 in Cleveland.
With the Raptors trailing by one and time winding down, Jamal Shead split two free throws, giving Cleveland the ball with 18.8 seconds left. But the Raptors forced a turnover, and Barrett launched a long three-pointer that bounced high off the rim before falling through the net with 1.2 seconds remaining. The shot drew comparisons to Kawhi Leonard's iconic Game 7 winner against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.
Scottie Barnes delivered another superstar performance, recording 25 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds. Barrett added 24 points and nine rebounds, while young Ja'Kobe Walter contributed 24 points and Collin Murray-Boyles chipped in 17. Despite missing stars Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors found a way to win.
Young Raptors Step Up
Head coach Darko Rajakovic praised his team's resilience. "It's team. It cannot be, 'Oh, we're going to designate one player to replace Ingram,'" he said before the game. "Those type of games, they always find a hero of the game. For us in Game 3, that was Jamison Battle. For them last game it was Dennis Schroder. Hopefully tonight, it's somebody on our side."
Rajakovic started Walter and Shead, and both delivered. Walter was effective offensively, while Shead made an impact on defense. The play of the youngsters bodes well for Toronto's future.
Cavs Stars Struggle
Cleveland's superstars, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, were mostly underwhelming. Mitchell was invisible until the fourth quarter, and Harden never looked like his All-Star self. However, Evan Mobley was fantastic, and Jarrett Allen outplayed Jakob Poeltl after being schooled in the previous game.
A huge rebounding advantage kept Cleveland in the game, especially in overtime, where the Cavaliers grabbed multiple offensive rebounds. But it wasn't enough to overcome Barrett's heroics.
Barnes addressed the crowd after the win: "Gonna go to Cleveland, and Toronto, we'll be back real soon." The Raptors will now face the Cavaliers in Game 7, with the winner advancing to face the Detroit Pistons or Orlando Magic.
