RJ Barrett delivered a career playoff-high 33 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena, but his postgame focus stayed firmly on team identity and execution.
“Man, that was great. The energy in the building was crazy. Definitely helped us out a lot. We just played hard, man. We played hard and that’s the result,” Barrett said when reflecting on performing in front of his hometown crowd.
The win came with multiple standout performances, including Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles also setting career playoff highs. Barrett emphasized how shared responsibility shaped the offensive output.
“I think being physical. CMB [Collin Murray-Boyles] is pretty strong for a rookie and he’s out there not afraid of the moment. Scottie is being the all-star that he is. We had a great attention to detail today, great focus on the game plan. It really took everybody.”
Toronto’s depth proved decisive, with Jamison Battle providing a major spark off the bench in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously Jamison Battle came in and went crazy. I think that’s the second time he’s done that against the Cavs this year. It takes a whole team, man. We need everybody,” Barrett said.
Barnes also played a two-way role, guarding elite scorers while facilitating offense, something Barrett highlighted as a key advantage.
“For sure. Both ends of the floor, he was guarding James for a majority, and then on the other end he was scoring, facilitating, rebounding, doing everything. Kudos to him. When you have a player like that, it makes everybody else’s job a lot easier.”
The Raptors now trail 2-1 in the series, but Barrett framed the win as a confidence boost rather than a turning point.
“We’re a tough, resilient group. We’re going to fight. For a young team that has a lot of players with no playoff experience, a night like tonight was good to give us some confidence and just show that we’re here, we’re in this series.”
Toronto controlled key stretches, but Barrett pointed to consistency as the priority moving forward.
“We got a lot more. We got to keep making adjustments. Go back, watch the film, see what we can get better at. We got so much that we can improve. We got a long way to go. We still got a lot of work to do.”
The Raptors also limited Cleveland’s primary scoring threats, something Barrett credited to physical team defense.
“Those guys are really talented scorers and they can score in so many different ways… you just got to try to be physical, show bodies. That’s really all you can try to do, just play super hard.”
Barrett also praised Jamison Battle’s readiness and preparation, pointing to consistency behind the scenes.
“He’s been a player that has been ready whenever his name has been called. We’re very happy that he was able to do that.”
With Toronto’s offense firing in rhythm, Barrett said the group shifted from reacting to dictating the game.
“Absolutely. I think it started with the first quarter. We started out good and really brought the fight to them.”
The atmosphere in Toronto also played a role, with multiple sports figures in attendance adding to the energy.
“It’s great to see everybody in the building supporting. Just like when it’s their turn, we’ll be there supporting them as well.”
Barrett briefly acknowledged interaction with local star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after the game, keeping it respectful and brief.
“I didn’t, with trying to rush, but just trying to pay some respects for what he’s done for the city for many, many years. Just try to pay my respects.”
Game 4 is set for Sunday in Toronto, where the Raptors aim to even the series.
