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Scottie Barnes emphasized confidence in the Toronto Raptors’ response after a 125-120 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Cavaliers now lead the series 3-2 heading into Game 6 in Toronto on Friday night.
Barnes opened up about the physical setback he faced after a second-quarter collision, saying, “I think I got hit on a drive going to the basket. I forgot who it was. I think it was Thomas Bryant, but obviously it had some effect.”
He described how the contact changed his rhythm in the second half, adding, “Couldn’t play with that same pace that I was trying to play with. Just had me a little limp out there, but was just trying to push through it.”
The forward also acknowledged additional discomfort, saying, “Got hit in the eye one time. Couldn’t really, my eye was bugging me a little bit, but it’s supposed to be physical. Things happen. You can’t control that. Just got to keep moving on, push through it.”
Toronto also lost Brandon Ingram during the game due to right heel inflammation, limiting the team’s late-game offensive options.
Barnes pointed to Ingram’s absence as a key factor, stating, “Obviously we need him out there on the floor. The way they guard him, his shot making ability when he’s out there on the floor. He makes big plays for us on the defensive end as well, getting rebounds, getting blocks. We need him out there on the floor.”
Despite the injuries, Barnes highlighted the Raptors’ late-game struggles rather than fatigue, noting Cleveland’s fourth-quarter execution.
He said, “Obviously Dennis played well for them. That second half he gave them that spark, 19 points off the bench. Got to do a better job guarding him. That was the difference maker right there.”
Dennis Schröder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, helping Cleveland take control as Toronto went cold from the field late.
Barnes also addressed the Raptors’ defensive limitations against Cleveland’s depth, saying, “We got to do our job trying to guard those two guys of course, but when other guys start doing more than they should be doing, that hurts.”
The Cavaliers received key contributions from Evan Mobley, who finished with 23 points and hit crucial fourth-quarter threes, while James Harden added 23 points and Donovan Mitchell scored 19.
Barnes remained firm on Toronto’s outlook heading into Game 6 despite the loss and injuries.
He said, “I like our chances 100%. I believe in us. We believe in each other. We’re going to go home and get it done.”
When asked about recovery ahead of the next game, he dismissed concern, saying, “It ain’t nothing. I’ll be ready.”
Game 6 now shifts pressure back to Toronto, where the Raptors will try to extend the series behind a battered but confident core led by Barnes.
