Barrett's improbable shot saves Raptors, forces Game 7 against Cavaliers

Key facts

• R.J. Barrett hit an improbable shot to save the Raptors and stun the Cavaliers.
• The game was played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
• The series is now tied 3-3, forcing a Game 7.
• Raptors forward Brandon Ingram was ruled out for Game 6 due to a heel injury.
• The Cavaliers led 110-112 in overtime before Barrett's shot.
• The Raptors and Cavaliers are tied 3-3 in the first-round playoff series.

Lede: Barrett's buzzer-beater forces Game 7

R.J. Barrett's improbable shot at the buzzer saved the Toronto Raptors from elimination, stunning the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-120 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena and forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round playoff series. The victory keeps the Raptors' season alive, while the Cavaliers, who led for much of the game, now face the pressure of a winner-take-all matchup on their home court. The series, tied 3-3, has been marked by dramatic swings and standout individual performances.

The decisive play: Barrett's magic from the rim

With the score tied at 120 and seconds remaining in overtime, Barrett drove to the rim and launched a contested shot that banked in as the horn sounded, sending the Scotiabank Arena crowd into a frenzy. The shot capped a 31-point performance for Barrett, who also added eight rebounds and five assists. Cleveland had taken a 112-110 lead in the final minute of regulation, but Toronto forced overtime with a clutch basket. The Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 38 points, but his efforts were undone by Barrett's heroics.

Injury and lineup changes: Ingram sidelined

The Raptors played Game 6 without forward Brandon Ingram, who was ruled out due to a heel injury. Ingram had been a key contributor in the series, averaging 22.3 points per game. His absence forced Toronto to rely more heavily on Barrett and Pascal Siakam, who delivered 27 points and 10 rebounds. Cleveland, meanwhile, was at full strength, but their defense struggled to contain Toronto's perimeter shooting. The Raptors connected on 15 three-pointers, compared to Cleveland's 11.

Series context and stakes

The Raptors-Cavaliers series is one of several tightly contested first-round matchups in the 2026 NBA playoffs. The winner will advance to face the Boston Celtics, who have already secured their spot. The Celtics, the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, boast a 56-26 regular-season record. For Toronto, a Game 7 victory would mark a significant achievement after a season plagued by injuries. Cleveland, the No. 4 seed, is seeking its first deep playoff run since LeBron James's departure in 2018.

Other playoff developments: Nuggets upset, Knicks dominate

In other playoff action, the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Denver Nuggets, advancing to the next round and raising questions about the Nuggets' championship window. The Timberwolves' victory was fueled by strong performances from Paul George and Jaden McDaniels. The New York Knicks also made headlines, taking the largest halftime lead in playoff history and winning by 51 points against the Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks now lead that series 3-2. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, with analysts noting they are 'playing with house money' after exceeding expectations.

What comes next: Game 7 in Cleveland

Game 7 between the Raptors and Cavaliers will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The Raptors will need to overcome the absence of Ingram and the hostile environment to advance. Toronto has not won a playoff series since 2020. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will rely on their home-court advantage and the experience of Mitchell and Darius Garland, who combined for 62 points in Game 6. The winner will face the Celtics in the second round, a team that has been resting since sweeping its first-round series.

Broader implications for the NBA landscape

The Raptors-Cavaliers series exemplifies the parity in the Eastern Conference, where no team has emerged as a clear favorite. The Celtics remain the top seed, but the resilience shown by Toronto and Cleveland suggests a competitive second round. For the Raptors, a Game 7 victory could reshape the narrative around a team that many had written off after a mid-season slump. For the Cavaliers, a loss would mark another early playoff exit, intensifying scrutiny on the franchise's long-term direction.

The bottom line

• R.J. Barrett's buzzer-beater in overtime forced a Game 7 between the Raptors and Cavaliers.
• The Raptors played without Brandon Ingram due to a heel injury.
• The Cavaliers led late in regulation but could not close out the series.
• The winner of Game 7 will face the Boston Celtics in the second round.
• The Timberwolves upset the Nuggets, ending Denver's title defense.
• The Knicks set a playoff record with a 51-point win over the Hawks.