The Toronto Raptors have forced a Game 7 in their first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, thanks to a clutch overtime game-winner from RJ Barrett. Barrett's improbable three-pointer with just 1.2 seconds remaining sealed a dramatic 112-110 victory for the Raptors on Friday night, tying the series at 3-3. The exhilarating win sets the stage for a winner-take-all showdown on Sunday.
A Shot for the Ages
The game, played on May 1, 2026, was a nail-biter from start to finish, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. In the dying seconds of overtime, with the score tied and the Raptors facing elimination, Barrett launched a contested three-pointer that banked in off the rim, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. "Glory to God, that was a fun one, right?" Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic remarked after the game, according to The Straits Times. "It was a heck of a fight." Barrett, who has been a key offensive force for Toronto throughout the series, finished the game with 24 points. He is averaging a series-high 24.3 points per game.
Raptors' Resilience on Display
Toronto's victory was a testament to their resilience, especially considering they played without forward Brandon Ingram, who was sidelined with right heel inflammation. Despite the absence of a key player, the Raptors, led by Barrett and a strong performance from Scottie Barnes (25 points, 14 assists, according to KORN News Radio), managed to overcome a late surge by the Cavaliers. Cleveland had battled back from an 11-point deficit entering the fourth quarter and even forced overtime with a late basket from Evan Mobley. However, the Raptors' tenacity in the final moments proved decisive. The Canadian Press highlighted that the Raptors are aiming to become the first team since the 2022 Dallas Mavericks to win a Game 7 on the road after the first six games were won by the home team.
Setting the Stage for Game 7
The series has been statistically even, with both teams scoring exactly 669 points through six games, as reported by NBC Sports. The Cavaliers, a seasoned team with a strong playoff record at home, are looking to advance past the first round for the third consecutive year. They hold a formidable 6-2 record in Game 7s, including a perfect 4-0 at home. The Raptors, on the other hand, have a 3-3 record in Game 7s and are embracing the challenge of playing a decisive road game. "Got one game to decide it all,” Barrett stated, as quoted by KORN News Radio. “We've fought through the toughest of tasks all year long. So going to Cleveland is going to be a tough task, but that's what we're built for.” The stage is now set for a thrilling Game 7, where the Raptors will look to make history against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.