RJ Barrett’s game-winning layup with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday reminded Toronto basketball fans of similar glory days in the NBA playoffs.
Barrett’s 3-pointer from the top of the key hit the back rim and bounced high over the backboard before going over the net to give the Raptors a 112-110 victory and force a Game 7 in tonight’s first-round series at Rocket Arena in Ohio.
For many fans, Barrett’s clutch shot brought back memories of Kawhi Leonard’s four-rebound game-winner in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia. The Raptors would go on to win the NBA championship.
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Barrett and his teammates said Friday’s win was exciting, but noted the focus quickly shifted to tonight’s win or going home.
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“I have a game to decide it all,” Barrett said. “We’ve struggled with the toughest assignments all year. So going to Cleveland is going to be a tough task, but that’s what we’re built for.”
Forgotten in all the excitement of Game 6 was that the Raptors were outscored 23-12 in the final quarter and came very close to falling.
The physical Raptors are trying to become the first team since Dallas in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals to win a Game 7 on the road after the first six were won by the home team.
The experienced and battle-tested Cavaliers are looking to advance past the first round for the third year in a row. They are 6-2 in Game 7s, including 4-0 at home. Toronto is 3-3 in Game 7 and is playing its first on the road since the 2021 conference semifinals against Philadelphia, which it lost 88-87.
Both offenses are averaging 111.5 points per game, the Raptors have shot slightly better (40.7 percent to 39.8 percent) and Toronto’s defense has had a slightly better rating than the Cavaliers.
Toronto shooting guard Brandon Ingram remains questionable for tonight after missing Friday’s game with right heel inflammation.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on May 3, 2026.
&copies 2026 The Canadian Press
