Is This The New "The Shot" For Cavs Fans

It’s tough for that generation to think of Bulls Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” in Game 5 of the playoffs against the Cavs in 1989 to win the series in the first round. (They did best-of-five back at that time).

Here in modern times, in a Game 6, the Toronto Raptors had a “shot” by RJ Barrett. One of the craziest bounces I have ever seen and the fact that it went back into the basket was unreal. Watch:

RJ BARRETT WHEN TORONTO NEEDED HIM MOST 🔥

The hometown hero drains the game-winning bucket in overtime to force Game 7 🥶 pic.twitter.com/D2AJbSiA5M
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 2, 2026

With the Bulls down one at the time, 110-109, had that shot not gone in, the Cavs would’ve likely won the game and the series because time runs out completely.

Now, the expectations I would have on a bounce initially off the back of the rim like that are the following:

1. Go out of bounds directly.

2. Hit the shot clock above the hoop for it to be out of bounds.

3. Bounce back into play for a rebound chance.

4. Bounce down and hit the rim for a rebound chance as well.

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For that ball to go directly back from that high in the air straight down is some sort of miracle for the Raptors to ultimately win the game and tie the series at three, forcing a Game 7 in Cleveland on Sunday.

It’s a shot that may never be forgotten, similar to Jordan’s shot but maybe not as big. The reason being there is still that final game to decide the series.

Regardless, the defense by PF Evan Mobley was solid and the shot was deep out in the three-point line. There’s no criticism there, that’s for sure.

What the Cavs have to do is forget about what happened and simply go and win this upcoming game in Cleveland, take the series and play either the Detroit Pistons or Orlando Magic, who also have a Game 7 in their series.

But, hey. At least the Cleveland Guardians won their baseball game late that night, 8-5, against the Athletics on the road.

Right?

Right???

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There are a lot of things that need to change in order for the Cavs to take Game 7. One shot, despite how disheartening in Toronto, is not the only problem with this team.

Let’s see what happens and hope that this latest version of “The Shot” will not be talked about and simply chuckled about when looking back at this series in the future, as the Cavs advance to the second round regardless.