RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes each had 33 points en route to a massive offensive performance, cutting their deficit in the series in half.<\/p>\n
![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kpyndvyn8pz59t4m7v.jpg\" "\\"Toronto")
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Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Barrett, Barnes Dominate<\/p>\n
In a must-win Game 3 at Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors\u2019 star duo reached new heights to prevent a 0-3 series hole. Barnes delivered a masterful all-around performance, recording a career playoff-high 33 points to go along with 11 assists and five rebounds. <\/p>\n
Not to be outdone, Barrett also posted a career playoff-high 33 points, highlighted by an efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance from beyond the arc. <\/p>\n
Together, they combined for 66 points, spearheading an offense that finally broke through Cleveland\u2019s elite defense.<\/p>\n
CMB Steps Up<\/p>\n
Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles made Raptors history on Thursday night, proving he belongs on the playoff stage. <\/p>\n
Coming off the bench, Murray-Boyles provided a massive spark with 22 points and eight rebounds, becoming the first rookie in franchise history to score 20 or more points in a postseason game. <\/p>\n
His energy in the paint and ability to finish through contact gave Toronto a secondary scoring option that Cleveland struggled to contain, effectively outplaying the Cavaliers’ veteran reserve unit.<\/p>\n
Lineup Changes Pay Off<\/p>\n
Facing a 0-2 deficit, head coach Darko Rajakovic\u2019s adjustments proved decisive in shifting the series momentum. With Immanuel Quickley sidelined for a third straight game due to a hamstring strain, the Raptors leaned into a more versatile frontcourt rotation that featured increased minutes for Sandro Mamukelashvili. <\/p>\n
The tactical shift helped Toronto dominate the glass and create better spacing, which was evident in the fourth quarter when they outscored Cleveland 43-23. The adjustment also freed up Jamison Battle, who capitalized on the new looks to score all 14 of his points in the final frame, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from deep.<\/p>\n
The Raptors also swapped out Jamal Shead in the starting lineup for Ja’Kobe Walter and it paid off. Shead was a +12 for the Raptors in the second unit while Walter was a +6 in the starting lineup. The Raptors should keep this adjustment for the rest of the series.<\/p>\n
What’s Next For Raptors?<\/p>\n
The Raptors will look to even the series<\/a> in Game 4 when the two teams line up on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Scotiabank Arena.<\/p>\n Sign up for our\u00a0free newsletter<\/a>, which will bring all Toronto Raptors On SI stories every weekday to your email.<\/p>\n
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