Raptors edge Cavaliers 112-110 in OT to force Game 7

The Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 in overtime on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena, with Scottie Barnes delivering the game’s defining all-around performance. Barnes finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists, three steals and three blocks as Toronto evened the first-round series at 3-3.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown

First Quarter

Cleveland and Toronto matched each other from the opening tip, finishing the first quarter tied 32-32. The Cavaliers got early production from Evan Mobley inside, while the Raptors kept pace behind balanced scoring and efficient ball movement.

Second Quarter

The Raptors created separation in the second, outscoring Cleveland 29-19. Toronto tightened up defensively, limited clean perimeter looks, and turned a tied game into a 61-51 halftime lead. That 10-point edge gave the home side control entering the break.

Third Quarter

Toronto narrowly won the third 31-30, maintaining its advantage despite a steady Cavaliers response. Mobley continued to produce on the glass and around the rim, but the Raptors answered with timely shot-making and playmaking from Barnes to carry a 92-81 lead into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter

Cleveland made its strongest push in the final period, holding Toronto to just 12 points and winning the quarter 23-12. The Cavaliers chipped away possession by possession, turning what had been a double-digit deficit into a tie game and forcing overtime at 104-104.

Overtime

The extra session was as tight as the rest of the night. Toronto edged Cleveland 8-6 in overtime, doing just enough to close out the two-point win. In a game defined by slim margins, the Raptors were steadier in the final possessions and came away with the result they needed.

Key performers

Scottie Barnes, Raptors: Barnes led Toronto with 25 points and added 14 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks. His impact showed up in every phase of the game, especially when the Raptors needed half-court organization and defensive activity.

RJ Barrett, Raptors: Barrett led Toronto with nine rebounds, helping the Raptors stay competitive despite Cleveland’s major edge on the glass. His work on the boards mattered in a one-possession game.

Evan Mobley, Cavaliers: Mobley led all scorers with 26 points and added 14 rebounds. He was Cleveland’s most consistent scorer and gave the Cavaliers a strong interior presence throughout the game.

James Harden, Cavaliers: Harden paced Cleveland with nine assists, helping direct the late comeback that sent the game to overtime. His playmaking kept the Cavaliers connected when they were trying to erase Toronto’s lead.

NerdSports Stat: Toronto won this game despite being outrebounded 52-38 and scoring only 12 points in the fourth quarter, then still found enough offense to post eight of the game’s final 14 points in overtime.

Game analysis

This game turned on efficiency and execution in key stretches. Toronto shot 46.0 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three, compared with Cleveland’s 43.0 percent overall and 26.8 percent from long range. Even though the Cavaliers attempted more shots and controlled the rebounding battle, the Raptors made better use of their possessions for most of the night.

The biggest swing came in the second quarter, when Toronto built the cushion that carried it deep into the game. The Raptors also had the more productive passing night, finishing with 27 assists to Cleveland’s 23, and Barnes was central to that advantage. His 14 assists helped create enough quality looks to offset Cleveland’s extra opportunities on the offensive glass.

Cleveland’s fourth-quarter comeback nearly completed the turnaround. Holding Toronto to 12 points in the period gave the Cavaliers a chance to take over late, but their perimeter shooting remained an issue. Cleveland finished 11-for-41 from three-point range, and that left little room for error in a game that went to overtime.

Free-throw accuracy also played a role. Both teams made 19 free throws, but Toronto was more efficient, hitting 82.6 percent compared with Cleveland’s 70.4 percent. In a two-point game, that difference mattered.

Closing context

With the win, the Raptors tied this Eastern Conference first-round series at 3-3 and forced a decisive Game 7. Toronto improved to 46-36 overall, while Cleveland moved to 52-30, but regular-season records no longer matter in a series that is now down to one final matchup.

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