Raptors force Game 7 vs. Cavs thanks to miracle bounce on RJ Barrett game-winner
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The Toronto Raptors had to scrap after blowing a 15-point lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half, but guard RJ Barrett got the friendliest of bounces off the back rim on Toronto’s game-winning 3-pointer in overtime that extended the season to a Game 7.

With the Raptors facing a one-point deficit with 10.9 seconds left in overtime, Toronto inbounded the ball to forward Scottie Barnes, who brought it up the floor. Barnes faced a double-team when Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley collapsed on Barnes in the paint, leaving Barrett wide open at the top of the key. Barrett hoisted a 3-point attempt that hit the back rim and then bounced high in the air, reaching to the top of the shot clock above the basket, before it fell through the net.

RJ BARRETT HITS THE GO-AHEAD 3 IN OT TO WIN IT FOR THE RAPTORS AND FORCE GAME 7 🚨

WHAT A SHOT WITH THE SEASON ON THE LINE 😲 pic.twitter.com/FI6yKSWCaq

— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2026

The shot gave the Raptors a two-point edge, and Mobley missed the would-be, game-winning attempt on the other end to give Toronto a 112-110 victory.

The shot was reminiscent of another back-rim bounce from last season’s playoffs, when Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton tied Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals when his shot bounced high off the back rim.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raptors defeat Cavaliers thanks to bounce on RJ Barrett game winner



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