Amid a tight battle between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, there was a bit of a dust-up, which included James Harden of the Cavs, and RJ Barrett of the Raptors.
The situation got heated for a moment, but it didn’t lead to any early exits from either side. Following the game, Barrett explained the reason behind the situation playing out the way it did.
James Harden Gets Stern Message From RJ Barrett
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 10: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors fouls James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on January 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“The ball was by our bench. He walked by our bench to go pick up the ball. I take everything as disrespect,” said Barrett.
“Don’t walk over to our bench and pick the ball up. James Harden is a guy I have tremendous respect for. I always have. I always watched him growing up. But who cares right now? Don’t walk to our bench and grab the ball. If I were going to their bench to grab the ball, I would expect the same thing.”
When it comes to playoff basketball, the tension grows as the stakes are higher than ever as each game passes by.
In Toronto’s case, they fell behind with a loss on Wednesday night.
The Raptors’ Backs Hit The Wall
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 07: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup game at State Farm Arena on November 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A 125-120 loss against the Cavaliers in Game 5 is bad news for the Raptors.
Now that their backs have hit the wall, the Raptors are one loss away from seeing their season end. Barrett is making it clear that he’s going to keep the intensity high as the Raptors enter Game 6.
Following Wednesday’s loss, Barrett finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in 38 minutes.
On the other side, James Harden clocked in for 40 minutes. The former MVP knocked down 7-13 shots from the field. He also had nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
The Raptors and the Cavaliers will meet for Game 6 in Toronto. The tip-off time is unclear at the moment. If the Raptors can force a Game 7, it would take place on Sunday, May 3.