In a thrilling overtime showdown, RJ Barrett nailed a clutch 3-pointer with just 1.2 seconds left, keeping the Toronto Raptors' playoff hopes alive with a 112-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. The win forces a decisive Game 7 in this Eastern Conference first-round series, set for Sunday in Cleveland.
Barrett's heroics capped a wild finish that saw the Raptors squander an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter before regrouping in overtime. Evan Mobley had a chance to steal the win for Cleveland, but his last-second 3-pointer clanked off the front rim, sealing Toronto's dramatic comeback.
Scottie Barnes was the engine for the Raptors, delivering a dominant performance with 25 points and 14 assists. Barrett and Ja'Kobe Walter each chipped in 24 points, while Collin Murray-Boyles added 17 off the bench. The Raptors' fast-break attack was a key difference-maker, outscoring the Cavaliers 20-6 in transition and capitalizing on Cleveland's 18 turnovers, which led to 25 points.
For the Cavaliers, Mobley posted a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell poured in 24 points. James Harden struggled from the field, shooting 5-for-14 and finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists—but also four costly turnovers. Jarrett Allen contributed 14 points, and Dean Wade added 10.
One of the night's standout storylines was Barnes' first-half explosion, racking up 14 points and 10 assists by halftime. That feat made him just the eighth NBA player since 1997 to record 14-plus points and 10-plus assists in a single half of a playoff game—a testament to his rising star power.
Notably, the Raptors were without forward Brandon Ingram, sidelined by a sore right heel after leaving Wednesday's Game 5 loss early. His absence looms large as Toronto heads to Cleveland for the winner-take-all matchup, where the home team has won all six games in this series so far.
With everything on the line Sunday, expect both teams to bring their A-game in what promises to be an unforgettable series finale. Will the Raptors ride this momentum to an upset, or will the Cavaliers defend their home court? Basketball fans won't want to miss it.