RJ Barrett plays hero as Raptors stun Cavs to stay alive

Alta Sports2 days ago · 270 views

RJ Barrett plays hero as Raptors stun Cavs to stay alive image

Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images

By Rafael Bandayrel

The Toronto Raptors stayed alive in dramatic fashion after RJ Barrett drilled a clutch go-ahead three with 1.2 seconds left to lift them past the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-110, in Game 6 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series on Saturday (PH time) in Toronto.

Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images

Barrett’s late heroics capped a back-and-forth overtime battle, where both teams traded big shots down the stretch. Evan Mobley had a final chance to steal the win for Cleveland, but his buzzer-beater fell short.

Toronto had been in control for much of regulation, building a 10-point halftime lead and holding the advantage entering the fourth. The Cavaliers mounted a late rally behind Donovan Mitchell, who scored five straight points to bring the deficit down to one possession.

With the game on the line, Mobley powered inside to tie it at 104 and force overtime after missed chances from both sides in the closing seconds.

In the extra period, Cleveland briefly grabbed the lead, but Toronto responded when it mattered most. After forcing a crucial turnover, the Raptors found Barrett, who calmly buried the decisive triple.