The Toronto Raptors are still alive — and it took a moment of pure chaos, belief, and clutch shot-making from RJ Barrett to keep their season from slipping away.
With 1.6 seconds left on the clock in Game 6 and Toronto trailing by one, Barrett rose to the occasion in a moment that will be replayed for years in the city. After a smart drive and kick from Scottie Barnes, Barrett found himself open at the top of the key. The shot looked like it might fall short — it hit the rim, popped high into the air, and for a split second, Scotiabank Arena went silent.
Then it dropped.
Raptors win 112–110. Game 7 secured.
Barrett, who had struggled to find rhythm late in the game and didn’t hit a field goal in the fourth quarter or overtime, admitted the moment was exactly what he lives for.
“I dream about moments like this,” he said afterward. “When I saw it go straight up, I knew it still had a chance.”
The play was not accidental. Barrett revealed it was discussed in the timeout huddle, with Barnes taking primary responsibility for initiating the action — and trusting Barrett to be ready.
“The last thing I told him was, ‘I got you,’” Barrett said. “For him to trust me in that moment… it’s crazy.”
Head coach Darko Rajaković said there was no rigid final play drawn up — just trust in his players to make a decision in real time. It turned out to be the right call.
The shot immediately drew comparisons to some of the biggest moments in Raptors history, including Kawhi Leonard’s legendary 2019 Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers.
For Barrett, a Toronto native, the moment carried even more weight. He grew up watching those defining Raptors playoff runs. Now, he has one of his own.
“I’m happy to be in this moment and play for my hometown team,” he said. “But it’ll feel even better when we win Game 7.”
Despite missing key contributor Brandon Ingram through injury, Toronto found answers elsewhere, with Barrett and Barnes combining for 49 points in a physical, grinding performance that kept the Raptors alive.
Still, the challenge now gets even bigger. Toronto must go on the road to Cleveland for Game 7 — a place where they haven’t yet won in this series.
“We’ve been tough and resilient all year,” Barrett said. “But now our toughest task is ahead. This is what we’re built for.”
One shot kept the season alive. One game now decides everything.
