RJ Barrett delivered a blunt evaluation after the Toronto Raptors dropped Game 5 to the Cleveland Cavaliers 125-120 at Rocket Area, placing the collection at 3-2 heading into Recreation 6 in Toronto.
Barrett led Toronto with 25 factors, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists in a recreation that featured a number of momentum shifts and a decisive fourth-quarter run by Cleveland.
“RJ, it looks as if the physicality went up a stage tonight. Is that the way it feels for you?” he was requested postgame. His reply was direct.
“No. I believe this has been a tough fought collection from the bounce and physicality has been there,” Barrett stated. “Physicality has been there.”
Toronto managed stretches of the sport, together with a 74-67 halftime lead and a robust begin to the third quarter. Barrett pointed to execution somewhat than depth because the distinction.
“For probably the most half we had this recreation. We performed effectively from the beginning,” he stated. “However you bought to take it for what it’s. It’s not like we performed horrible or something.”
The Raptors nonetheless led 103-100 coming into the fourth quarter earlier than Cleveland opened the ultimate interval with an 8-0 run that flipped management of the sport. Barrett acknowledged that swing because the turning level.
“Within the fourth quarter they only performed just a little higher,” he stated. “However I don’t assume it’s something too loopy to overreact on.”
Cleveland’s fourth-quarter surge included Dennis Schröder’s 11 factors within the interval and key three-pointers from Evan Mobley. Toronto, in the meantime, shot 7-of-28 within the last quarter.
Barrett additionally credited Toronto’s depth after accidents and setbacks throughout the recreation, together with Brandon Ingram’s exit and Scottie Barnes taking part in by bodily discomfort.
“It’s playoffs. Now it’s do or die. We acquired to go on the market and we acquired to combat,” Barrett stated. “Jamal was massive time. Ja’Kobe… got here in and was on fireplace in the present day. Jak was large.”
He emphasised the crew’s id regardless of the loss. “The advantage of our crew is once we’re at our greatest, we’re combating, we’re scrappy, and we’re taking part in collectively,” Barrett stated. “That’s playoff basketball.”
The Raptors ahead additionally addressed a fourth-quarter sideline second involving James Harden, clarifying there was no altercation.
“The ball was by our bench and he walked in our bench to go decide up the ball,” Barrett stated. “I take every little thing as disrespect. Don’t stroll over to our bench and seize the ball.”
He added that respect is mutual regardless of the second. “James Harden is a man that I’ve super respect for,” Barrett stated.
Looking forward to Recreation 6, Barrett careworn confidence regardless of the bodily toll. “I believe what we needs to be inspired with is all of that occuring and we’re nonetheless in place to win the sport,” he stated. “We’ve at all times had the subsequent man up mentality.”
Toronto will attempt to pressure a Recreation 7 on Friday, counting on its home-court surroundings and a response after a tightly contested Recreation 5 loss.
