Raptors force decisive Game 7 in Cleveland after Barrett's historic overtime winner
The victory extends the series to a seventh contest in Cleveland, where the home team has won all six previous games, despite Toronto's struggles away from Scotiabank Arena
The Toronto Raptors have secured a dramatic 112-110 overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, forcing a decisive Game 7 in Cleveland. RJ Barrett hit a three-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining to avoid elimination, becoming the first player since the 1997–98 season to make a winning field goal in the final seconds of a playoff overtime.
The winning shot, a 29-foot three-pointer, hit the back rim and bounced high above the backboard before falling through as the sellout crowd of 19,919 roared. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic described the moment as surreal, noting that while the high bounce kept him on edge, the trajectory suggested a chance for the ball to go down. Barrett, who felt the ball went straight up, became the first player in the play-by-play era to make such a shot to avoid elimination in the playoffs.
Scottie Barnes contributed 25 points and 14 assists for Toronto, making him the eighth NBA player since 1997 to record 14 or more points and 10 or more assists in one half of a playoff game. He also recorded a block and a posterising dunk over Jarrett Allen early in the first quarter. However, Toronto held on after blowing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, a defensive lapse that allowed Cleveland to take the lead for the first time since the opening period.
Cleveland's scoring efforts were led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 24 points, and James Harden, who added 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen scored 14 points. The Cavaliers finished with 18 turnovers, which led to 25 points for Toronto, but the home team's resilience proved decisive in the extra period.
The match was marked by physical play and strict officiating, with the crew noted for being particularly rigorous regarding contact calls. In the second quarter, officials flagged a forearm shove and inadvertent contact to a defender's head, leading to several challenges. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram did not play because of a sore right heel, having left in the second quarter of the previous game.
Despite the win, the Raptors face a significant hurdle: they have not won a Game 7 in Cleveland and have yet to secure a victory in 10 previous playoff games played there. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson emphasised the need to protect home-court advantage, noting that the team knew the game would not be easy. Game 7 will be played in Cleveland on Sunday, where the home team has won all six games so far in the series.
