Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 6 instant reactions. Toronto avoids elimination

TORONTO — In a truly wild finish, RJ Barrett 's 3-pointer bounced high and in, and the Raptors beat the Cavaliers 112-110 in Game 6 on Friday, May 1, at Scotiabank Arena to force Game 7.

The Cavs won the first two games of the series in Cleveland but dropped Games 3 and 4 in Toronto , setting up a crucial Game 5 at Rocket Arena. The Cavs came out on top, setting up a closeout chance in Game 6 .

But the Raptors' overtime win in Game 6 forced a decisive Game 7 on Sunday, May 3, at Rocket Arena.

Cavs playoffs: Cavaliers score, highlights, stats vs. Raptors in Game 6

Here are our instant reactions to Game 6 between the fourth-seeded Cavs and fifth-seeded Raptors:

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos

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Cavs vs Raptors Game 6: Ryan Lewis' instant reaction

The Cavaliers had this series in their hands — quite literally — before the Raptors extended the series for a Game 7.

The bottom line is the Raptors' top two options —  Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett — outplayed their Cavs counterparts, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden , in Game 6.

Evan Mobley was terrific, but losing the ball in the final seconds might haunt the Cavs for a long time depending on whether they can rebound in Game 7. Barnes and Barrett were terrific. Mitchell didn't do much until late in the game, and Harden looked as much like a liability as anything tonight.

If the Cavs are to survive this first-round series, Mitchell and Harden cannot falter again.

Cavs vs Raptors Game 6: Nate Ulrich's instant reaction

Entering this series, Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was widely considered the best player on either roster. But Raptors All-Star forward Scottie Barnes has made a strong case to be viewed as the best player in this series.

The playoffs are grueling, and it's difficult for a team to win when its top player is off his game.

Mitchell has not met his standard of excellence at several junctures. Barnes has often dominated.

Keep in mind, Mitchell has played with his full supporting cast. Barnes has played without starting point guard Immanuel Quickley (right hamstring strain) for the entire series and without All-Star forward Brandon Ingram (right heel inflammation) in Game 6.

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison in reverse chronological order:

• Game 6: Mitchell 24 points (11-26 shooting); Barnes 25 (11-21)

• Game 5: Mitchell 19 points (7-17 shooting); Barnes 17 (6-16)

• Game 4: Mitchell 20 points (6-24 shooting); Barnes 23 (6-15)

• Game 3: Mitchell 15 points (7-16 shooting); Barnes 33 (11-17)

• Game 2: Mitchell 30 points (13-23 shooting); Barnes 26 (11-19)

• Game 1: Mitchell 32 points (11-20 shooting); Barnes 21 (6-14)

The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 6 score, analysis of Toronto win