RJ Barrett sank a 29-foot three-point shot in the closing moments of overtime to help the short-handed Toronto Raptors avoid playoff elimination with a 112-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Barrett released the shot with three seconds remaining, and it went through the net after a high bounce with 1.2 seconds on the clock.
The series is now tied at 3-3, setting up a decisive Game 7 at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena on Sunday, where the Raptors have historically struggled in the postseason. Scottie Barnes had an impressive performance with 25 points and 14 assists, along with seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Barrett contributed 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, nearly securing a double-double.
Evan Mobley had a standout game for the Cavaliers, recording a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell finished with 24 points, overcoming a slow start, while James Harden nearly achieved a triple-double with 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Toronto was missing two key starters, Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram. Ingram, the team’s top scorer in the regular season, was ruled out just before Game 6 due to an aggravated heel injury. Quickley had already been sidelined for the entire series with a hamstring injury.
The game was full of intense moments, including Sandro Mamukelashvili’s steal from Cavaliers’ Dennis Schroder and subsequent layup to tie the game. Barnes and Barrett displayed excellent teamwork, with Walter also making significant contributions offensively.
In the end, it was Barrett’s clutch shot that sealed the win for the Raptors in a nail-biting overtime victory, ensuring a thrilling Game 7 showdown between the two teams.