RJ Barrett delivered a spectacular performance on Sunday night, dropping 37 points on an efficient 15-for-20 shooting to lead the Toronto Raptors past the Miami Heat, 119-116.
Barrett’s hot hand and clutch plays down the stretch helped Toronto improve to 5-4 at home, securing a much-needed win after their recent loss to Miami.
Scottie Barnes continued his strong form, contributing 23 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double for the second straight game. Barnes had recorded his sixth career triple-double in Friday’s loss to Miami, and his all-around play on Sunday was pivotal in Toronto’s win.
Jakob Poeltl was a force in the paint, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie Ja’Kobe Walter added 12 points off the bench, providing a spark when the Raptors needed it most. Toronto’s balanced attack and defensive resilience were key in holding off a late Miami surge.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 31 points, including six three-pointers, but his potential game-tying three with 29 seconds left fell short. Herro’s sharpshooting kept Miami competitive throughout, but the Heat couldn’t complete their comeback, falling short of their first three-game winning streak of the season.
Jimmy Butler added 17 points, but his impact was limited as Toronto’s defense tightened in critical moments. Bam Adebayo was a monster on the boards, grabbing 20 rebounds to go along with 13 points. Adebayo’s effort marked his season high in rebounds, just shy of his career-best 21, set in Toronto back in 2018.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Miami’s supporting cast struggled, with Duncan Robinson managing just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc. Terry Rozier added 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Miami’s inconsistent shooting from deep.
The turning point came late in the third quarter when Barrett spearheaded a 13-2 run that flipped a two-point deficit into an 88-79 lead. His six points during the run, combined with Toronto’s defensive pressure, shifted the momentum in their favor and energized the home crowd.
While Miami showed flashes of brilliance, their three-point shooting wasn’t as potent as it had been in Friday’s win over Toronto. The Heat connected on 15-of-40 attempts from deep, a drop-off from their 21-of-54 performance in their previous matchup.
Barrett’s performance stood out not only for his scoring but also for his poise under pressure. His ability to consistently deliver in key moments is becoming a hallmark of Toronto’s recent success. Barrett has now scored 30 or more points in three straight home games and five of his last seven, establishing himself as a reliable offensive leader.
Toronto’s victory also highlighted their ability to close out tight games, a challenge they’ve struggled with at times this season. Their defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter and ability to generate points in transition were crucial in holding off Miami’s late rally.
Up next, the Raptors turn their attention to an NBA Cup showdown against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. With momentum on their side, Toronto will look to build on this win and continue their strong play at home. Meanwhile, the Heat face a tough road test in Boston on Monday, aiming to bounce back and find consistency away from the Smoothie King Center.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to fine-tune their execution in high-pressure situations. For now, though, Barrett and the Raptors are riding high, showing they can compete with anyone when firing on all cylinders.
