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Deadspin | Lawrence Butler’s 3-run blast lifts Athletics over Royals Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Lawrence Butler slugged a three-run homer and Luis Severino tossed seven strong innings to lead the Athletics to a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night in West Sacramento, Calif. Jacob Wilson had two hits and scored twice and Jeff McNeil and Carlos Cortes also had two hits as the Athletics evened the three-game series at a game apiece. Severino (2-2) allowed one run and four hits while winning his second straight start. He struck out eight and walked two. Severino improved to 3-10 in 18 starts at Sutter Health Park since joining the A’s prior to last season. Joel Kuhnel gave up one run while recording five outs after taking over for Severino. Mark Leiter Jr. got the final out by fanning Jac Caglianone for his third save. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and scored twice for Kansas City. The Royals had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position while losing for just the second time in the past seven games. Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (2-2) gave up four runs and eight hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked four. The score was tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the fourth when Wilson and McNeil began the inning with singles. After Zack Gelof laid down a sacrifice bunt, Butler ripped a 2-2 slider over the fence in right-center to give the A’s a 4-1 lead. The Athletics tacked on a run in the sixth when Darell Hernaiz singled with one out and scored on Nick Kurtz’s double to center. Kurtz has reached base in 24 straight games and has drawn at least one walk in his last 18 contests. The Royals threatened in the ninth as Witt led off with a single and Salvador Perez reached on a one-out infield single deep into the hole at shortstop. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch before Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly to deep center scored Witt. Leiter was then called on and walked Isaac Collins, who stole second on the second pitch as Leiter fell behind 2-0 against Caglianone. The right-hander then recovered for the game-ending strikeout. Kansas City struck in the first when Perez’s fielder’s choice scored Witt from third. Wilson lost Perez’s low pop fly in the sun and it bounced off his glove. Witt scored from third as Wilson tossed the ball to second to force out Carter Jensen. The Athletics knotted the score in the second when Wilson and McNeil started the inning with doubles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Butlers #3run #blast #lifts #Athletics #Royals

Deadspin | Lawrence Butler’s 3-run blast lifts Athletics over Royals
Deadspin | Lawrence Butler’s 3-run blast lifts Athletics over Royals Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Lawrence Butler slugged a three-run homer and Luis Severino tossed seven strong innings to lead the Athletics to a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night in West Sacramento, Calif. Jacob Wilson had two hits and scored twice and Jeff McNeil and Carlos Cortes also had two hits as the Athletics evened the three-game series at a game apiece. Severino (2-2) allowed one run and four hits while winning his second straight start. He struck out eight and walked two. Severino improved to 3-10 in 18 starts at Sutter Health Park since joining the A’s prior to last season. Joel Kuhnel gave up one run while recording five outs after taking over for Severino. Mark Leiter Jr. got the final out by fanning Jac Caglianone for his third save. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and scored twice for Kansas City. The Royals had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position while losing for just the second time in the past seven games. Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (2-2) gave up four runs and eight hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked four. The score was tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the fourth when Wilson and McNeil began the inning with singles. After Zack Gelof laid down a sacrifice bunt, Butler ripped a 2-2 slider over the fence in right-center to give the A’s a 4-1 lead. The Athletics tacked on a run in the sixth when Darell Hernaiz singled with one out and scored on Nick Kurtz’s double to center. Kurtz has reached base in 24 straight games and has drawn at least one walk in his last 18 contests. The Royals threatened in the ninth as Witt led off with a single and Salvador Perez reached on a one-out infield single deep into the hole at shortstop. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch before Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly to deep center scored Witt. Leiter was then called on and walked Isaac Collins, who stole second on the second pitch as Leiter fell behind 2-0 against Caglianone. The right-hander then recovered for the game-ending strikeout. Kansas City struck in the first when Perez’s fielder’s choice scored Witt from third. Wilson lost Perez’s low pop fly in the sun and it bounced off his glove. Witt scored from third as Wilson tossed the ball to second to force out Carter Jensen. The Athletics knotted the score in the second when Wilson and McNeil started the inning with doubles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Butlers #3run #blast #lifts #Athletics #RoyalsApr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Lawrence Butler slugged a three-run homer and Luis Severino tossed seven strong innings to lead the Athletics to a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night in West Sacramento, Calif.

Jacob Wilson had two hits and scored twice and Jeff McNeil and Carlos Cortes also had two hits as the Athletics evened the three-game series at a game apiece.

Severino (2-2) allowed one run and four hits while winning his second straight start. He struck out eight and walked two.

Severino improved to 3-10 in 18 starts at Sutter Health Park since joining the A’s prior to last season.

Joel Kuhnel gave up one run while recording five outs after taking over for Severino. Mark Leiter Jr. got the final out by fanning Jac Caglianone for his third save.

Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and scored twice for Kansas City. The Royals had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position while losing for just the second time in the past seven games.


Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (2-2) gave up four runs and eight hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked four.

The score was tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the fourth when Wilson and McNeil began the inning with singles. After Zack Gelof laid down a sacrifice bunt, Butler ripped a 2-2 slider over the fence in right-center to give the A’s a 4-1 lead.

The Athletics tacked on a run in the sixth when Darell Hernaiz singled with one out and scored on Nick Kurtz’s double to center. Kurtz has reached base in 24 straight games and has drawn at least one walk in his last 18 contests.

The Royals threatened in the ninth as Witt led off with a single and Salvador Perez reached on a one-out infield single deep into the hole at shortstop. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch before Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly to deep center scored Witt.

Leiter was then called on and walked Isaac Collins, who stole second on the second pitch as Leiter fell behind 2-0 against Caglianone. The right-hander then recovered for the game-ending strikeout.

Kansas City struck in the first when Perez’s fielder’s choice scored Witt from third. Wilson lost Perez’s low pop fly in the sun and it bounced off his glove. Witt scored from third as Wilson tossed the ball to second to force out Carter Jensen.

The Athletics knotted the score in the second when Wilson and McNeil started the inning with doubles.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lawrence #Butlers #3run #blast #lifts #Athletics #Royals

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Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Lawrence Butler slugged a three-run homer and Luis Severino tossed seven strong innings to lead the Athletics to a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night in West Sacramento, Calif.

Jacob Wilson had two hits and scored twice and Jeff McNeil and Carlos Cortes also had two hits as the Athletics evened the three-game series at a game apiece.

Severino (2-2) allowed one run and four hits while winning his second straight start. He struck out eight and walked two.

Severino improved to 3-10 in 18 starts at Sutter Health Park since joining the A’s prior to last season.

Joel Kuhnel gave up one run while recording five outs after taking over for Severino. Mark Leiter Jr. got the final out by fanning Jac Caglianone for his third save.

Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and scored twice for Kansas City. The Royals had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position while losing for just the second time in the past seven games.

Kansas City’s Michael Wacha (2-2) gave up four runs and eight hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked four.

The score was tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the fourth when Wilson and McNeil began the inning with singles. After Zack Gelof laid down a sacrifice bunt, Butler ripped a 2-2 slider over the fence in right-center to give the A’s a 4-1 lead.

The Athletics tacked on a run in the sixth when Darell Hernaiz singled with one out and scored on Nick Kurtz’s double to center. Kurtz has reached base in 24 straight games and has drawn at least one walk in his last 18 contests.

The Royals threatened in the ninth as Witt led off with a single and Salvador Perez reached on a one-out infield single deep into the hole at shortstop. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch before Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly to deep center scored Witt.

Leiter was then called on and walked Isaac Collins, who stole second on the second pitch as Leiter fell behind 2-0 against Caglianone. The right-hander then recovered for the game-ending strikeout.

Kansas City struck in the first when Perez’s fielder’s choice scored Witt from third. Wilson lost Perez’s low pop fly in the sun and it bounced off his glove. Witt scored from third as Wilson tossed the ball to second to force out Carter Jensen.

The Athletics knotted the score in the second when Wilson and McNeil started the inning with doubles.

–Field Level Media

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Afghanistan exiles dream of Olympic stage after FIFA recognition <div id="content-body-70923727" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Scattered across the globe after fleeing Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the country’s ‌exiled women footballers are daring to dream of uniting on the Olympic ​stage after being given a path back to international football.</p><p>Global ⁠governing body FIFA approved a rule change on Wednesday allowing them to play official international matches, building on the FIFA-backed Afghan Women United team set up last year for players living ‌outside their homeland.</p><p>Goalkeeper Fatima Yousufi, now based in Melbourne with many of the exiles, said the players were overwhelmed when they heard ‌the news.</p><p>“One hundred percent emotional. Tears of joy — because we never stopped representing ‌Afghanistan ⁠in our hearts,” the 24-year-old told <i>Reuters</i> in a video call.</p><p>“And ⁠now the world is finally recognising that. But at the same time … many girls in Afghanistan still don’t have this opportunity, so this moment is also for them.”</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/afghanistan-women-allowed-to-compete-in-fifa-tournaments-afghan-refugee-womens-team-latest/article70919006.ece" target="_self">Afghan women’s refugee team allowed to play in FIFA tournaments</a></b></p><p>Prior to the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan ​had 25 women players under ‌contract, most of whom now live in Australia.</p><p>Afghan Women United is currently undergoing a selection process, with FIFA hosting regional selection camps in England and Australia.</p><p>While Afghanistan will not be eligible to qualify for the Women’s World Cup in ‌Brazil next year, it could still compete in qualifiers for the 2028 ​Los Angeles Olympics.</p><p>“Thinking about all those (opportunities) coming up, (those) events will be the greatest thing that could happen for the team,” said ⁠Yousufi, who plays for South Melbourne FC while studying.</p><p>“So hopefully we will make that.”</p><p><b>HARROWING EXIT</b></p><p>Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, women’s sport has effectively disappeared in ‌Afghanistan, while access to education and employment opportunities for women have been severely curtailed.</p><p>Like a number of her teammates, Yousufi’s departure from Afghanistan was harrowing.</p><p>Toting only a backpack with a few clothes and a bottle of water, Yousufi was evacuated on a plane from Kabul to Dubai with assistance from the Australian government.</p><p>She arrived in Australia in a daze, thinking about everything she had lost.</p><p>“Even our identity, ‌we had to delete everything. We had to, you know, disappear from the public to be ​just safe during the time,” she said.</p><p>“It was such a dangerous time, but I’m glad we made it alive and we made it ⁠out here and today we’re playing.”</p><p>Yousufi has since been reunited with her parents and ⁠all of her siblings in Melbourne.</p><p>Life as an immigrant in Australia has been a major adjustment but the footballing goals remain the same.</p><p>“In Afghanistan, ‌I was dreaming of seeing the Afghanistan team in the World Cup,” she said.</p><p>“And I think if we are going to make that happen, it ​will be the greatest thing that could happen for Afghanistan women’s soccer.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 30, 2026</p></div> #Afghanistan #exiles #dream #Olympic #stage #FIFA #recognition

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Deadspin | Fire, Cincinnati bring unbeaten streaks into rematch of draw Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers (9) scores a goal during the first half of an MLS match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images Two weeks after playing to a draw, the Chicago Fire and visiting FC Cincinnati battle again on Saturday. The 3-3 draw in Cincinnati on April 18 contributed to both teams’ ongoing unbeaten streaks in MLS play. FC Cincinnati (3-4-3, 12 points) are 1-0-3 in their last four regular-season matches, while the Fire are 4-0-1 in their last five. Chicago (5-2-2, 17 points) did suffer a 2-1 home loss on Wednesday, when St. Louis City SC eliminated the Fire in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. The Fire held leads in all three of their losses in all competitions this season, and also led 3-1 through 78 minutes against Cincinnati before settling for the draw. Midfielder Anton Saletros told On Tap Sports Net on Wednesday that the Fire are “very, very hungry” for Saturday’s rematch. “We had the three points against Cincinnati and they slipped through our fingers. We are very eager to play at home again and to keep pushing,” Saletros said. In regular-season play, the Fire have outscored opponents 11-2 at home while posting a 4-1-0 record. FC Cincinnati are winless on the road this season (0-3-2), but unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five matches in Chicago. Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the league with 19 goals, but the team’s 23 goals allowed are the fourth-highest total in MLS. Chicago is tied for 10th in goals scored (17) while allowing the sixth-fewest goals (eight) in the league. The April 18 result gives FC Cincinnati confidence that they can handle the well-rounded Fire. “It’s … looking at how do they gain advantages to put this really strong attacking group in positions to make plays, and that’s what our focus is,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Hopefully our attack continues and hopefully our defending improves to limit their strengths.” Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were in full training this week, and Noonan said the defenders could return from leg injuries Saturday. Hugo Cuypers leads Chicago with eight goals and Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with six. Both strikers have scored a brace in each of their last two regular-season matches. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Fire #Cincinnati #bring #unbeaten #streaks #rematch #drawApr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers (9) scores a goal during the first half of an MLS match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

Two weeks after playing to a draw, the Chicago Fire and visiting FC Cincinnati battle again on Saturday.

The 3-3 draw in Cincinnati on April 18 contributed to both teams’ ongoing unbeaten streaks in MLS play. FC Cincinnati (3-4-3, 12 points) are 1-0-3 in their last four regular-season matches, while the Fire are 4-0-1 in their last five.

Chicago (5-2-2, 17 points) did suffer a 2-1 home loss on Wednesday, when St. Louis City SC eliminated the Fire in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16.

The Fire held leads in all three of their losses in all competitions this season, and also led 3-1 through 78 minutes against Cincinnati before settling for the draw.

Midfielder Anton Saletros told On Tap Sports Net on Wednesday that the Fire are “very, very hungry” for Saturday’s rematch.

“We had the three points against Cincinnati and they slipped through our fingers. We are very eager to play at home again and to keep pushing,” Saletros said.


In regular-season play, the Fire have outscored opponents 11-2 at home while posting a 4-1-0 record. FC Cincinnati are winless on the road this season (0-3-2), but unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five matches in Chicago.

Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the league with 19 goals, but the team’s 23 goals allowed are the fourth-highest total in MLS. Chicago is tied for 10th in goals scored (17) while allowing the sixth-fewest goals (eight) in the league.

The April 18 result gives FC Cincinnati confidence that they can handle the well-rounded Fire.

“It’s … looking at how do they gain advantages to put this really strong attacking group in positions to make plays, and that’s what our focus is,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Hopefully our attack continues and hopefully our defending improves to limit their strengths.”

Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were in full training this week, and Noonan said the defenders could return from leg injuries Saturday.

Hugo Cuypers leads Chicago with eight goals and Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with six. Both strikers have scored a brace in each of their last two regular-season matches.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Fire #Cincinnati #bring #unbeaten #streaks #rematch #draw">Deadspin | Fire, Cincinnati bring unbeaten streaks into rematch of draw Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Hugo Cuypers (9) scores a goal during the first half of an MLS match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images Two weeks after playing to a draw, the Chicago Fire and visiting FC Cincinnati battle again on Saturday. The 3-3 draw in Cincinnati on April 18 contributed to both teams’ ongoing unbeaten streaks in MLS play. FC Cincinnati (3-4-3, 12 points) are 1-0-3 in their last four regular-season matches, while the Fire are 4-0-1 in their last five. Chicago (5-2-2, 17 points) did suffer a 2-1 home loss on Wednesday, when St. Louis City SC eliminated the Fire in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. The Fire held leads in all three of their losses in all competitions this season, and also led 3-1 through 78 minutes against Cincinnati before settling for the draw. Midfielder Anton Saletros told On Tap Sports Net on Wednesday that the Fire are “very, very hungry” for Saturday’s rematch. “We had the three points against Cincinnati and they slipped through our fingers. We are very eager to play at home again and to keep pushing,” Saletros said. In regular-season play, the Fire have outscored opponents 11-2 at home while posting a 4-1-0 record. FC Cincinnati are winless on the road this season (0-3-2), but unbeaten (4-0-1) in their last five matches in Chicago. Cincinnati is tied for fifth in the league with 19 goals, but the team’s 23 goals allowed are the fourth-highest total in MLS. Chicago is tied for 10th in goals scored (17) while allowing the sixth-fewest goals (eight) in the league. The April 18 result gives FC Cincinnati confidence that they can handle the well-rounded Fire. “It’s … looking at how do they gain advantages to put this really strong attacking group in positions to make plays, and that’s what our focus is,” Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said. “Hopefully our attack continues and hopefully our defending improves to limit their strengths.” Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were in full training this week, and Noonan said the defenders could return from leg injuries Saturday. Hugo Cuypers leads Chicago with eight goals and Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with six. Both strikers have scored a brace in each of their last two regular-season matches. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Fire #Cincinnati #bring #unbeaten #streaks #rematch #draw

Kuldeep Kumar set a new national record in pole vault by clearing 5.41m at the 1st Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competitions in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Kuldeep, the 21-year-old vaulter from Madhya Pradesh, surpassed the previous national record of 5.40m, held by statemate Dev Meena, who finished third.

He had three failed attempts at 5.46m, while the qualifying mark for the Asian Games is set at 5.45m.

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form. Earlier in April, he secured gold in Jaipur by clearing 5.25m, achieving the qualification mark for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

RESULTS

Gold – Kuldeep Kumar (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.41m

Silver – G Reegan (Tamil Nadu) – 5.25m.

Bronze – Dev Meena (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.20m

Published on May 02, 2026

#Kuldeep #Kumar #sets #national #pole #vault #record #Bhubaneswar">Kuldeep Kumar sets new national pole vault record in Bhubaneswar Kuldeep Kumar set a new national record in pole vault by clearing 5.41m at the 1st Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competitions in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.Kuldeep, the 21-year-old vaulter from Madhya Pradesh, surpassed the previous national record of 5.40m, held by statemate Dev Meena, who finished third.He had three failed attempts at 5.46m, while the qualifying mark for the Asian Games is set at 5.45m.The 21-year-old has been in impressive form. Earlier in April, he secured gold in Jaipur by clearing 5.25m, achieving the qualification mark for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. RESULTS Gold – Kuldeep Kumar (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.41m Silver – G Reegan (Tamil Nadu) – 5.25m. Bronze – Dev Meena (Madhya Pradesh) – 5.20m Published on May 02, 2026 #Kuldeep #Kumar #sets #national #pole #vault #record #Bhubaneswar

Deadspin | RJ Barrett’s heroics push Raptors-Cavaliers to Game 7 May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) celebrates after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images RJ Barrett made a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 to force Game 7 of the first-round playoff series. Barrett’s Kawhi-esque bucket from straight away hit the back of the rim, bounced high into the air and fell in between the mesh. The shot was from the same end of the court as Leonard’s four-bounce miracle during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs. Barrett, the Mississauga, Ontario, native, finished with 24 points. Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 24 to set up the deciding game Sunday at Cleveland. Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 13 assists for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 17 points. Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a series in which the home team has won each game. Donovan Mitchell added 24 points, and James Harden had 16 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen scored 14 points, while Dean Wade contributed 10. Toronto took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. After two Cleveland defensive stops, Mitchell nailed a corner three and then made a driving layup to reduce the margin to three with 6:54 to go. Mobley’s rebound and dunk cut the lead to one with 5:48 left. A Barnes free throw had Toronto up by two with 1:17 left. Toronto’s shot-clock violation gave Cleveland possession with 0:16 left. Mobley’s layup tied the game at 104 with a layup with 0:12 to play in regulation. Jamal Shead missed a 17-footer to set up overtime. After a Toronto turnover, Harden hit a 12-footer to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Barnes tied it at 108 with a floater with 1:25 left in overtime. Mitchell’s layup put Cleveland up by two with 0:34 left, and then Shead made one of two free throws to cut the lead to one. Mobley’s turnover gave Toronto the ball with 0:11 left to set up Barrett’s shot. The game was tied at 32 after one quarter. The Raptors led by nine points after Barnes spun around Harden before making a dunk with 7:04 left in the second quarter. Cleveland cut the lead to two before Toronto took a 61-51 halftime lead following Shead’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining. A Cleveland turnover led to Barrett’s running layup and a 15-point lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter. Toronto led 92-81 after three quarters. Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Barretts #heroics #push #RaptorsCavaliers #GameMay 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) celebrates after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

RJ Barrett made a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 to force Game 7 of the first-round playoff series.

Barrett’s Kawhi-esque bucket from straight away hit the back of the rim, bounced high into the air and fell in between the mesh. The shot was from the same end of the court as Leonard’s four-bounce miracle during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs.

Barrett, the Mississauga, Ontario, native, finished with 24 points. Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 24 to set up the deciding game Sunday at Cleveland.

Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 13 assists for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 17 points.

Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a series in which the home team has won each game.

Donovan Mitchell added 24 points, and James Harden had 16 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen scored 14 points, while Dean Wade contributed 10.


Toronto took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. After two Cleveland defensive stops, Mitchell nailed a corner three and then made a driving layup to reduce the margin to three with 6:54 to go. Mobley’s rebound and dunk cut the lead to one with 5:48 left. A Barnes free throw had Toronto up by two with 1:17 left. Toronto’s shot-clock violation gave Cleveland possession with 0:16 left. Mobley’s layup tied the game at 104 with a layup with 0:12 to play in regulation. Jamal Shead missed a 17-footer to set up overtime.

After a Toronto turnover, Harden hit a 12-footer to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Barnes tied it at 108 with a floater with 1:25 left in overtime. Mitchell’s layup put Cleveland up by two with 0:34 left, and then Shead made one of two free throws to cut the lead to one. Mobley’s turnover gave Toronto the ball with 0:11 left to set up Barrett’s shot.

The game was tied at 32 after one quarter.

The Raptors led by nine points after Barnes spun around Harden before making a dunk with 7:04 left in the second quarter. Cleveland cut the lead to two before Toronto took a 61-51 halftime lead following Shead’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining.

A Cleveland turnover led to Barrett’s running layup and a 15-point lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter. Toronto led 92-81 after three quarters.

Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Barretts #heroics #push #RaptorsCavaliers #Game">Deadspin | RJ Barrett’s heroics push Raptors-Cavaliers to Game 7 May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) celebrates after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images RJ Barrett made a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in overtime Friday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 to force Game 7 of the first-round playoff series. Barrett’s Kawhi-esque bucket from straight away hit the back of the rim, bounced high into the air and fell in between the mesh. The shot was from the same end of the court as Leonard’s four-bounce miracle during Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs. Barrett, the Mississauga, Ontario, native, finished with 24 points. Ja’Kobe Walter also scored 24 to set up the deciding game Sunday at Cleveland. Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 13 assists for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 17 points. Evan Mobley had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in a series in which the home team has won each game. Donovan Mitchell added 24 points, and James Harden had 16 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Jarrett Allen scored 14 points, while Dean Wade contributed 10. Toronto took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter. After two Cleveland defensive stops, Mitchell nailed a corner three and then made a driving layup to reduce the margin to three with 6:54 to go. Mobley’s rebound and dunk cut the lead to one with 5:48 left. A Barnes free throw had Toronto up by two with 1:17 left. Toronto’s shot-clock violation gave Cleveland possession with 0:16 left. Mobley’s layup tied the game at 104 with a layup with 0:12 to play in regulation. Jamal Shead missed a 17-footer to set up overtime. After a Toronto turnover, Harden hit a 12-footer to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Barnes tied it at 108 with a floater with 1:25 left in overtime. Mitchell’s layup put Cleveland up by two with 0:34 left, and then Shead made one of two free throws to cut the lead to one. Mobley’s turnover gave Toronto the ball with 0:11 left to set up Barrett’s shot. The game was tied at 32 after one quarter. The Raptors led by nine points after Barnes spun around Harden before making a dunk with 7:04 left in the second quarter. Cleveland cut the lead to two before Toronto took a 61-51 halftime lead following Shead’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining. A Cleveland turnover led to Barrett’s running layup and a 15-point lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter. Toronto led 92-81 after three quarters. Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Barretts #heroics #push #RaptorsCavaliers #Game

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