RJ Barrett shone in his Toronto playoff debut, leading the Raptors to a Game 3 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Barrett and Lawson’s Canadian Connection
RJ Barrett and A.J. Lawson stood alongside each other in front of a large Canadian flag at centre court. The game marked their first playoff appearance in Canada. A patriotic atmosphere filled Scotiabank Arena, with fans loudly singing O Canada. Lawson expressed how much it meant to have his family in attendance.
“I first picked up basketball in the city of Toronto,” Lawson said. “To have them in attendance for the game really matters a lot to me.”
Lawson spoke about sharing the moment with Barrett. “It’s just surreal to see how two people from the same area can make it out and actually be on the same team playing for their city in the playoffs,” Lawson said. “We’ve both been planning out our dreams since [we were] young and we’re finally living it.”
Barrett echoed the sentiment, saying, “A.J., that’s my boy. We’ve known each other since the third grade.”
Barrett’s Career Night
Barrett, the 25-year-old from Mississauga, set a postseason career high with 33 points in his first playoff game in Toronto. Scottie Barnes also scored 33, while Collin Murray-Boyles added 22. The Raptors’ victory cut the Cavaliers’ lead in the first-round playoff series to 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled to take place in Toronto.
Fan Support for Barrett
Among the fans in attendance, some wore jerseys of Serge Ibaka, Dell Curry, and DeMar DeRozan. Others sported Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes jerseys. A few fans were also wearing Barrett’s jersey.
Levi Whitty, a 10-year-old from Nova Scotia, was one of those wearing a Barrett jersey. He travelled with his brother and aunt from Cape Breton Island to Halifax, then flew to Toronto for the game. Levi explained that Barrett is his favourite player “Because he’s good,” adding, “I like his defence. I think he’s the second-best defender in the league after [Victor Wembanyama].”
The Raptors will look to continue their momentum in Game 4.