The Toronto Raptors return to Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, April 23, 2026, to host the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game 3 of their first-round playoff collection. Hometown wing RJ Barrett is ready to make his first postseason look in Toronto because the membership makes an attempt to beat a 2-0 collection deficit.
Toronto enters the matchup needing a victory after dropping the primary two video games in Cleveland by double digits. The contest marks the group’s first dwelling playoff sport in 4 years, based on studies from TSN and Sportsnet.
Barrett, a 25-year-old Mississauga native, joined the Raptors in December 2023 and has since develop into a dependable offensive choice. He completed the common season averaging 19.3 factors and 5.3 rebounds per sport whereas taking pictures 49.1% from the sphere.
“I’m from here, I feel like a little kid today,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
The seven-year veteran emphasised his need to contribute to a successful tradition inside his hometown group. He famous that enjoying in entrance of native followers, household, and mates provides a big stage of non-public satisfaction to the high-stakes matchup.
“I get to go play, not only in front of fans, but in front of my family and friends. I take pride in it. I’ve always been saying, being here, I want to be on a winning team. For me, I can’t walk around saying, ‘I’m on the Raptors, and we have a terrible record,’ like, that’s embarrassing. But I’m excited just to play in front of the crowd, the fans, family, and friends. It’s gonna be a great night,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
Barrett admitted to the media that his anticipation for the sport affected his preparation. He seen the return to Toronto as a vital turning level for the best-of-seven collection.
“I feel like a little kid today, man,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
The wing participant highlighted that whereas he enjoys the problem of enjoying in hostile environments, the power of the Toronto crowd offers a needed increase for the roster.
“I get to go play, not only in front of all the fans, but in front of my family and friends. I take pride in it. I’ve always been saying, like, just being here, I want to be on a winning team,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
Barrett continued by addressing the embarrassment of a poor file and his give attention to the upcoming environment.
“I can’t walk around saying, like, ‘I’m on the Raptors, and we have a terrible record.’ That’s embarrassing, but I’m excited to just play in front of the crowd, the fans, family and friends,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
He described his bodily pleasure and the tactical significance of successful the third sport of the collection.
“It’s gonna be crazy in there tonight. The atmosphere is gonna be nuts. I’m excited,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
Barrett additionally talked about his sleeping difficulties as a result of pleasure and the chance at hand.
“I had trouble sleeping, I was so excited,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
He concluded his remarks by specializing in the aggressive necessity of securing a house win.
“But this would be a great opportunity for us to play hard in front of our fans, and get a good win. Down two games. Get one tonight, and it’s a series,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
When requested concerning the benefit of enjoying at Scotiabank Arena, Barrett provided a distinct perspective than some teammates, noting his consolation in away video games.
“Me personally. I don’t care. I like being on the road, being a villain,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
He acknowledged that the playoff atmosphere is uniquely difficult and that fan assist offers important power.
“For our team, it will give us some juice, some life. Whenever you have that crowd there cheering for you, it definitely feels good,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
Finally, he famous the depth of the present postseason setting.
“It feels good, and especially in this playoff environment, it’s a tough environment,” mentioned RJ Barrett, Wing for the Toronto Raptors.
Second-year guard Jamal Shead echoed the necessity for vocal assist from the Canadian fanbase to counter Cleveland’s earlier efficiency. He burdened that the crew should display their aggressive spirit on the court docket.
“I think the message is clear is that we need them,” mentioned Jamal Shead, Guard for the Toronto Raptors.
Shead in contrast the fanbases and referred to as for a robust displaying on the enviornment.
“I think Cleveland had a good showing, but our fans are way better,” mentioned Jamal Shead, Guard for the Toronto Raptors.
The guard concluded by difficult his teammates to carry out.
“It’s time for them to show it, and it’s time for us to show that we’ve got some fight in us,” mentioned Jamal Shead, Guard for the Toronto Raptors.
He additionally emphasised the tangible affect the group has on the gamers’ efficiency.
“I think being in Scotia is gonna make a difference,” mentioned Jamal Shead, Guard for the Toronto Raptors.
Shead completed by reiterating the significance of the followers’ presence.
“I think that playing with our fans behind us is gonna make a really big difference for us in this game,” mentioned Jamal Shead, Guard for the Toronto Raptors.
Following Game 3, the Raptors are scheduled to host Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. If the collection continues, the groups will return to Cleveland’s Rocket Arena for Game 5 on Wednesday.
