The Toronto Raptors secured a hard-fought 112-110 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, forcing a Game 7.
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Unlike many of the battles we’ve seen so far this postseason, both squads were rolling offensively in the first quarter. Evan Mobley led the way for the Cavaliers early while R.J. Barrett was in control for the Raptors. After a close opening quarter, it was tied at 32.
The Raptors ended the first on a scoring run that extended into the second frame. Cleveland’s offense wasn’t ice-cold, but it couldn’t keep up with Toronto’s scoring.
By halftime, the Raptors were ahead by two.
In the early stages of the third quarter, it looked like they might take full control of the matchup. Toronto led by 15 points with five minutes to go in the third, but that’s when the Cavs began to wake back up.
What began as a slow rally turned into a swift comeback. Facing a double-digit deficit in the fourth, Cleveland took the reins on both ends of the floor to storm back into it.
Mobley had another strong quarter in the fourth, and tied the game up in clutch time before Jamal Shead missed the game-winning attempt for Toronto.
In overtime, both squads exchanged bucket before Donovan Mitchell committed a crucial turnover with 10 seconds to go. That’s when Barrett sent Toronto into a frenzy with a 30-foot heave to take the lead and secure the win.
He finished with 24 points and nine rebounds while Scottie Barnes put up 25 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds.
For Cleveland, Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds while Mitchell finished with 24 points and five rebounds.
Game 7 is set to take place in Cleveland on Sunday.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
