RJ Barrett hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime Friday night to give the Toronto Raptors a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers [1, 2, 3].
The win prevents the Raptors from being eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. By securing the victory in Game 6, Toronto has forced a decisive Game 7 to determine who advances in the series [2, 3].
The dramatic finish followed a volatile fourth quarter. The Raptors held an 11-point lead late in the final period before squandering the advantage, which eventually pushed the contest into overtime [1].
Barrett's shot on May 1, 2026 [4], mirrored high-stakes moments from previous Raptors playoff runs. The victory ensures that Toronto's season continues for at least one more game as they prepare for the final matchup against Cleveland [1, 3].
Game 6 served as a pivotal moment for the Toronto franchise. The team faced elimination until the overtime period, where Barrett's perimeter scoring provided the necessary margin to survive the series [1, 2].
With the series now tied, both teams move toward a winner-take-all scenario. The Raptors will look to carry the momentum from Friday's overtime thriller into the final game of the first-round series [2, 3].
“RJ Barrett hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime Friday night”
This result shifts the psychological momentum of the series. By overcoming a double-digit lead collapse and winning in overtime, the Raptors have demonstrated resilience that could be critical for Game 7. For the Cavaliers, the loss represents a missed opportunity to close out the series on their own terms.
