You could make the argument that RJ Barrett of Toronto, Ontario has joined Kawhi Leonard in delivering one of the most amazing shots in Toronto Raptors franchise history. On Friday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, the Raptors were facing elimination. Down by a single point (110-109 to the Cleveland Cavaliers with 1.2 seconds left in overtime), Barrett made a 29 foot shot from downtown to give the Raptors the lead. Then Evan Mobley missed his 29 foot three point shot attempt at the buzzer, to give the Raptors the dramatic 112-110 victory. What was so magical about Barrett’s game-winning shot was that it bounced off the rim, went up in the air, higher than the top of the backboard, and then came right down through the basket.
The win by the Raptors tied the Eastern Conference best out of seven series at three games apiece and forces a seventh and deciding game in Cleveland on Sunday evening. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are also playing a seventh game on Saturday, while the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons are playing a seventh game on Sunday afternoon.
Toronto had a very good second quarter. They outscored the Cavaliers 29-19, on a night that Brandon Ingram did not play due to a sore heel.
Four Raptors finished in double digits in scoring. Scottie Barnes led the way with 25 points, and had a double-double as he added 14 assists. Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter had 24 points each, while Collin Murray-Boyles had 17 points off the bench.
