In a performance reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard's iconic 2019 playoff run, RJ Barrett delivered a clutch game-winning shot for his hometown Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of their first-round series against the Boston Celtics on May 1, 2026. Barrett, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, scored 30 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, leading the Raptors to a 112-110 victory and forcing a Game 7.
The game-winning basket came with 2.1 seconds remaining, as Barrett drove past Celtics defender Jayson Tatum and converted a left-handed layup. The play was designed by head coach Darko RajakoviΔ, who called Barrett's number after a timeout. The Raptors had trailed by 10 points with under four minutes to play before Barrett sparked a 14-2 run.
Barrett's performance drew immediate comparisons to Kawhi Leonard's Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, which led the Raptors to their first NBA championship. Barrett, who was traded to the Raptors in December 2023, has become a key figure for the team, averaging 24.5 points per game in the series.
The Raptors will face the Celtics in Game 7 on May 3, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The winner advances to the second round to face the Milwaukee Bucks.
