Toronto is officially a city of destiny. RJ with that 2.0 shot boy!
In a game that felt like a heavyweight boxing match, the Toronto Raptors survived a do-or-die Game 6, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 in overtime on Friday night. With the season hanging by a thread, RJ Barrett delivered a moment that will be etched into Toronto sports history forever. What felt like the longest 4 seconds of the ball hitting a high-bouncing, circus three-pointer with just 1.2 seconds remaining to tie the series at 3-3.
The energy at Scotiabank Arena was pure 2019, and now, we head back to Cleveland for the ultimate sports drama: a winner-take-all Game 7.
RJ Barrett’s “Friendly Bounce”
It’s impossible to watch RJ Barrett’s game-winner without getting a massive sense of déjà vu.
With the Raptors down by one in the final seconds of OT, Barrett pulled up for a 29-foot triple. The ball hit the back rim, soared high above the backboard, and (in what felt like slow motion) fell straight through the net.
- The 2019 Connection: Much like Kawhi Leonard’s legendary four-bounce shot against Philly, Barrett’s winner relied on the “basketball gods.” Even Coach Darko Rajakovic admitted it felt like an eternity while the ball was in the air. For the Mississauga native to hit that shot in front of his home crowd is a true childhood dream realized.
Historic Performances & Key Stats
The Raptors were undermanned, playing without Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram, but the heart of this team was on full display:
- Scottie Barnes: Put the team on his back with 25 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds. His playmaking down the stretch was the reason Toronto stayed in striking distance.
- Ja’Kobe Walter: The second-year guard was fearless, matching Barrett’s 24 points and hitting critical shots to keep the Cavs’ defense honest.
- Collin Murray-Boyles: The rookie continues to be a playoff revelation, adding 17 points and playing high-IQ basketball beyond his years.
- The Defense: Despite giving up 26 points to Evan Mobley, Toronto’s perimeter defense held Donovan Mitchell and James Harden just enough to force the overtime period.
Expert Insights for Game 7
As we look ahead to Sunday, here is the analysis you won’t find on a basic box score:
- The “Home Court” Curse: In this series, the home team has won every single game (6-0). To win Game 7, Toronto must do something they haven’t done in 10 tries: win a postseason game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
- The Ingram Factor: Brandon Ingram was ruled out just two hours before Game 6 with heel inflammation. His status for Game 7 is the biggest story in the NBA right now. Even if he isn’t 100%, his “gravity” on the floor opens up lanes for Barnes and Barrett.
- Pressure Shift: All the pressure is now on Cleveland. They had a chance to close this out and let it slip. In Game 7s, the team with the “friendly bounce” momentum often plays looser.
Up Next: The Final Battle
This is what every fan lives for. One game. A trip to the second round on the line.
Game 7: Sunday, May 3rd
Time: TBA (Expected afternoon/early evening)
Where to Watch: TSN / Sportsnet / Amazon Prime Video
The Blue Jays also wrap up their series against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, so let’s make it a legendary day for the city.
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
