Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley Rip Cavaliers Ahead of Game 7 vs. Raptors
The Cleveland Cavaliers are under intense pressure heading into a Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors after a last-second loss in Game 6, despite strong individual performances. NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley have publicly criticized Cleveland's stars for failing to deliver in crucial moments. The outcome of Game 7 could have major implications for the team's future, especially if they fail to close out a series they once led 3–2.
- ▪The Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 112–110 in overtime in Game 6, forcing a Game 7 after RJ Barrett hit a buzzer-beating jumper.
- ▪Evan Mobley scored 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Game 6, while Donovan Mitchell and James Harden struggled with efficiency over the series' final four games.
- ▪Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley criticized Cleveland’s star players, saying none have delivered a signature performance in the series so far.
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By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Friday night should've been a statement win for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead, they now come into a do-or-die Game 7 under serious pressure. Cleveland fell to the Toronto Raptors 112–110 in overtime after RJ Barrett drilled a high-arcing, buzzer-beating jumper with 1.2 seconds left, capping a dramatic Raptors comeback and forcing a winner-take-all Game 7. Cleveland’s stars delivered… but not quite enough. Evan Mobley was the standout with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell scored 24 on heavy volume and James Harden added 16, along with nine rebounds and nine assists.
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