RJ Barrett's Overtime Heroics Force Game 7 as Raptors Stun Cavaliers

Key facts

• RJ Barrett hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime to give the Raptors a 112-100 win over the Cavaliers.
• Scottie Barnes finished with 25 points and 14 assists for Toronto.
• The series is now tied 3-3, with Game 7 scheduled in Cleveland.
• The Pistons erased a 24-point deficit to beat the Magic 93-79 and force a Game 7.
• Detroit used a 34-4 run to complete the stunning comeback.
• The Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-78 to win the series 4-2 and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
• LeBron James recorded 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in the series-clinching win.

Raptors Survive Elimination on Barrett's Buzzer-Beater

The Toronto Raptors kept their season alive with a dramatic 112-100 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. RJ Barrett's three-pointer with seconds remaining in the extra period sealed the win, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the first-round playoff series. Barrett's shot, which bounced favorably off the rim before falling through, capped a resilient performance by the Raptors, who had trailed for much of regulation. The victory was fueled by Scottie Barnes, who posted 25 points and 14 assists, and a crucial shift in three-point shooting that tilted in Toronto's favor. The Cavaliers, who had won three of the first five games, now face a must-win Game 7 on their home court. The series, tied at 3-3, will conclude in Cleveland.

Pistons Rally from 24 Down to Force Game 7 Against Magic

In Orlando, the Detroit Pistons pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks of the playoffs, erasing a 24-point deficit to defeat the Magic 93-79 and force a Game 7. The Pistons unleashed a 34-4 run that turned the game on its head, silencing the home crowd. Cade Cunningham led the charge for Detroit, orchestrating the offense and scoring key baskets during the surge. The Magic, who had dominated the first half, collapsed under the pressure, committing turnovers and missing shots as the Pistons' defense tightened. The series, now tied 3-3, will return to Detroit for the final game. The winner will advance to face the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.

Lakers Overpower Rockets to Advance to West Semifinals

The Los Angeles Lakers punched their ticket to the Western Conference semifinals with a commanding 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets, winning the series 4-2. LeBron James delivered a vintage performance, recording 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Rockets, who have been plagued by dysfunction throughout the season, were eliminated in the first round. Questions now swirl about the future of the franchise, including the possibility of trading Kevin Durant. The Lakers will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round. The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, present a formidable challenge for Los Angeles.

Celtics and 76ers Set for Historic Game 7 Showdown

The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for a Game 7 in their first-round series, adding another chapter to one of the NBA's most storied rivalries. The series is tied 3-3, with the game scheduled at TD Garden. Key players include Jayson Brown, who averages 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for Boston, and Tyrese Maxey, who puts up 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists for Philadelphia. Joel Embiid contributes 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for the 76ers. The Celtics, who finished the regular season with a 56-26 record, are favored by 7.5 points, with an over/under of 205.5. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

What's Next: Game 7s and Conference Semifinals

With three series now headed to Game 7, the NBA playoffs are delivering maximum drama. The Raptors and Cavaliers will battle in Cleveland, while the Pistons and Magic will decide their fate in Detroit. The Celtics and 76ers will clash in Boston. The winners will join the Lakers and Thunder in the conference semifinals. The Lakers' victory over the Rockets has set up a marquee matchup against Oklahoma City, a team that has exceeded expectations behind Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber season. For the Rockets, the offseason begins with difficult questions. The team's ugly first-round exit has sparked speculation about potential trades, including the possibility of moving Kevin Durant. The franchise's direction remains uncertain.

The bottom line

• RJ Barrett's game-winning three-pointer in overtime kept the Raptors alive, forcing a Game 7 against the Cavaliers.
• The Pistons completed a historic comeback from 24 points down to force a Game 7 against the Magic.
• The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with a dominant 98-78 win over the Rockets.
• LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in the series-clinching game.
• The Celtics and 76ers will play a Game 7, with Boston favored by 7.5 points at home.
• The Rockets face an uncertain future after a dysfunctional season and first-round exit, with trade rumors swirling around Kevin Durant.