R-J Barrett’s fortuitous winning shot with 1.2 seconds left in Friday’s extra time reminded Toronto basketball fans of comparable glory days within the NBA playoffs.
Barrett’s three-pointer from the highest of the important thing hit off the back rim and bounced high above the backboard before going through the web to offer the Raptors a 112-110 victory and force tonight’s Game 7 within the opening-round series at Rocket Arena in Ohio.
For a lot of fans, Barrett’s clutch shot brought back memories of Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce buzzer-beating winner in Game 7 of the 2019 East semifinals against Philadelphia. The Raptors would go on to win the NBA championship.
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Barrett and his teammates said Friday’s victory was thrilling but noted the main target quickly shifted to tonight’s win or go home showdown.
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“Got one game to make a decision all of it,” Barrett said. “We’ve fought through the hardest of tasks all yr long. So going to Cleveland goes to be a troublesome task, but that’s what we’re built for.”
Forgotten in all of the Game 6 excitement was the Raptors being outscored 23-12 in the ultimate quarter and coming oh-so near being ousted.
The physical Raptors try to change into the primary team since Dallas within the 2022 Western Conference semifinals to win a Game 7 on the road after the primary six were won by the house team.
The experienced and battle-tested Cavaliers wish to advance past the primary round for the third straight yr. They’re 6-2 in Game 7s, including 4-0 at home. Toronto is 3-3 in Game 7s and is playing its first one on the road for the reason that 2021 conference semifinals against Philadelphia, which it lost 88-87.
Each offences are averaging 111.5 points per game, the Raptors have shot barely higher (40.7 per cent to 39.8 per cent) and Toronto’s defence has had a rather higher rating than the Cavaliers.
Toronto forward Brandon Ingram stays questionable for tonight after missing Friday’s game due to right heel inflammation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press