1.2 seconds left: Toronto forced Game 7 against Cleveland

The Toronto Raptors have in the play-off duel with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) equalized again. On Friday (local time) they made it 3:3 in the “best of seven” with a score of 112:110 nV. Jakob Pöltl recorded two points, four rebounds, two steals as well as an assist and a block in 21:31 minutes of action in an “insane game”. The decisive game for promotion to the second knockout round takes place on Sunday in Ohio.

Game six was definitely not for the faint of heart. The Raptors were on the verge of elimination when RJ Barrett scored from distance in overtime with 1.2 seconds left on the clock to make the final score. The ball initially bounced up from the ring before finding its way through the basket. This means that the exciting series continued to only bring home wins.

“Fought extremely hard”

“We really fought extremely hard, we gave it our all,” said Pöltl, who scored to make it 71:58 (min. 29) in the third quarter. A little later, the Raptors had the biggest lead at 78:63 (31st). Cleveland caught up in the final period and made it 104:104 after regular time. The last word then went to Barrett, who, like Kobe Walter, scored 24 points. Scottie Barnes, the Canadians’ top scorer, had 25 points and also contributed 14 assists. Cleveland was led by Evan Mobley with 26 points.

“It was just one extremely hard-fought game“, said Pöltl and was “happy that we were able to get the win.” The focus is now on the decisive encounter on Sunday. “We are of course looking forward to this game. It will be another very hard-fought game and we will need our full commitment. Every minute from every player on the field will be extremely important, we will give everything,” announced the 30-year-old center from Vienna.

Detroit equalized, Lakers advanced

It’s also 3:3 between them Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. The best team in the Eastern Conference in the regular season, which was already 1:3 behind in the series, equalized with a 93:79 win in Florida. Cade Cunningham was responsible for 32 points and ten rebounds. The winner of the series will face Cleveland or Toronto in the second playoff round. They moved into the conference semifinals Los Angeles Lakers. They won thanks to a score of 98:78 Houston Rockets win 4-2. Veteran star LeBron James was the most successful thrower with 28 points.