RJ Barrett nailed a 29-foot three-pointer in the final moments of overtime to help the short-handed Toronto Raptors avoid playoff elimination with a thrilling 112-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Barrett’s shot, released with three seconds remaining, bounced high off the rim before dropping through the net with 1.2 seconds left.
The series is now deadlocked at 3-3, setting up a decisive Game 7 at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena on Sunday, a venue where the Raptors have yet to secure a postseason win in 10 attempts. Scottie Barnes delivered an outstanding performance with a double-double of 25 points and 14 assists, complemented by seven rebounds. Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, contributed 24 points and came close to a double-double with nine rebounds.
Evan Mobley shined for the Cavaliers with a double-double, registering 26 points and 14 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell, despite a slow start, finished with 24 points, while James Harden flirted with a triple-double, notching 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Toronto faced the game without two key starters, point guard Immanuel Quickley, and all-star forward Brandon Ingram, the team’s top scorer in the regular season. In their absence, second-year guards Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead stepped up, with Walter adding 24 points to the scoreboard.
Ingram was ruled out just before Game 6 due to aggravating inflammation in his right heel, an injury that had hampered him since Game 5. Quickley, dealing with a strained right hamstring, remained sidelined throughout the series.
The game saw thrilling plays on both ends, with Sandro Mamukelashvili making a crucial steal from Cavaliers’ Dennis Schroder in the first quarter. Mamukelashvili sprinted down the court for a game-tying layup. Barnes and Barrett showcased their skills in the second quarter, with Walter leading the period with eight points as the Raptors built a 61-51 halftime lead.
Cleveland’s efforts in the paint and struggles with second-chance opportunities were evident throughout the game. The Cavaliers staged a late comeback, cutting Toronto’s lead to just one point with a 12-2 run. The contest remained intense, with both teams trading baskets in overtime. Mitchell appeared to secure the Cavaliers’ victory with a layup, but Toronto’s Shead and Barrett managed to keep the Raptors in the game.
Ultimately, Barrett’s clutch three-pointer sealed the win for the Raptors, forcing a Game 7 showdown. The matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an already intense series.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/raptors-win-cavaliers-game-6-9.7184767)
