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Scottie Barnes delivered a complete performance in the Toronto Raptors’ 112-110 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, then underlined the team’s identity heading into a decisive Game 7.
“We going to fight. We going to keep fighting,” Barnes said, summarizing Toronto’s approach in a high-pressure playoff environment.
The Raptors forward emphasized possession-by-possession execution and the need to stay composed when momentum swings. “Just got to take it one possession at a time and figure out ways how we can get stops and on the other end how we can get the best shot possible.”
Barnes also pointed to late-game breakdowns that nearly cost Toronto the win. “We had a good lead, they took back that lead in about 45 seconds,” he said. “We got to clean up these fourth quarters.”
Despite the collapse in regulation, Barnes highlighted the team’s response in overtime. “How can we get through that, go on to the next play. How can we keep playing? We’re going to make mistakes. How are we going to get better from it?”
Barnes finished with 25 points and 14 assists, controlling tempo for large stretches and initiating offense under pressure. His playmaking also kept Toronto balanced in half-court possessions against Cleveland’s switching defense.
A key moment came late in overtime when Barnes trusted RJ Barrett on the decisive possession, a decision he explained clearly. “Just trusting my teammate. He already told me coming down the court before we passed the ball, he was like, ‘I got you. Just trust me.’ Trusted him.”
Barnes reacted in real time as the shot sequence unfolded. “Saw the ball bounce up like two times. Like, please. Went in, made a shot, had to get a stop on the other end.”
Toronto’s execution down the stretch remains a focal point ahead of Game 7 in Cleveland, where the Raptors have historically struggled. Barnes was direct about the required approach. “We got to be ourselves. Do what we did tonight, play super hard, make it tough for every single guy out there on the floor.”
The Raptors forward also praised Ja’Kobe Walter’s 24-point outing, highlighting consistency within the roster. “He just stayed trusted in himself… staying confident, putting in that work, trusting in it.”
Barnes closed by acknowledging the emotional weight of Barrett’s moment and its impact on the group. “He showed up. That’s big time. It’s hard to even wrap your head around that.”
With the series tied and momentum split evenly, Toronto now heads into Game 7 needing another complete 48-minute effort to advance.
