Raptors Fall in Game 7 as Injuries and Rebounding Gap End Playoff Run

On May 14, 2024, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Toronto Raptors 114–102 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round, ending Toronto’s first playoff appearance since 2020. Scottie Barnes scored 24 points and RJ Barrett added 23. Cleveland’s third-quarter run (38–19) turned a 41–31 halftime lead into a decisive advantage, with the Raptors shooting 5-of-20 overall and 1-of-7 from three.

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Toronto entered the series without All-Star forward Brandon Ingram (bruised right heel) and point guard Immanuel Quickley (sore right hamstring). Their absences elevated second-year forwards Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter, who combined for 27 points in Game 7; Shead scored 14 in the first half, Walter added 13, ten in the second half.

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Barnes averaged 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists over the seven-game series; Barrett posted 24.1 points and 7.0 rebounds. Their combined 47 points in Game 7 accounted for nearly half of Toronto’s total. Barrett’s buzzer-beating three-pointer in overtime of Game 6 forced the decisive seventh game.

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Cleveland secured 20 offensive rebounds in Game 7, while Toronto managed only eight total rebounds in the pivotal third quarter. The extra possessions allowed Cleveland to extend its lead and limited Toronto’s second-chance scoring, a factor Barnes identified as the primary reason for the loss.

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Coach Darko Rajakovic called Barnes a “winning player” who silenced critics and praised his all-court effort. Barnes and Barrett both cited the rebounding disparity as decisive. Rajakovic described the season as an “absolute success,” emphasizing the culture built and the motivation it provides for next year.

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The coaching staff views the campaign as a foundation for growth, noting that the experience gained by Barnes, Barrett and the emerging second-year players should translate into a deeper, more resilient roster. Rajakovic said the team will target improved rebounding and veteran depth in the 2024-25 season.

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• “We were down a couple of players and my team needed me out there,” — Scottie Barnes, Forward, Toronto Raptors

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• “It felt like we had them. That’s what’s going to hurt. We definitely could have won this game and won this series,” — RJ Barrett, Forward, Toronto Raptors

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• “They worked harder than us in this game. They had 20 offensive rebounds. They had four guys crashing every play, even 5-10, 5-11 guys crashing the glass,” — Scottie Barnes, Forward, Toronto Raptors

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• “I think he (Scottie Barnes) shut up a lot of talk, and that’s good. That’s a winning player,” — RJ Barrett, Forward, Toronto Raptors

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• “For the stage of his career, he gave it all. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but this is not the best version of Scottie we’re going to see. He’s going to be even better next season.” — Darko Rajakovic, Head Coach, Toronto Raptors

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