RJ Barrett Says He Feels Like a Kid Again Ahead of First Playoff Game in Toronto
The memories of 2019 still linger in Toronto, but it's been a long road back.
Since winning the franchise's first title behind the heroics of Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and company, the Toronto Raptors have cycled through roster resets, coaching changes, and losing seasons.
They last appeared in the playoffs in 2022, and until this spring, the organization had been searching for a new identity.
Now, that drought is over, and suddenly, there's a different kind of energy heading into Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At the center of it? RJ Barrett.
Back home. In the playoffs. And feeling it.
"I'm from here … I feel like a little kid today," Barrett said ahead of Thursday night's game. “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.”
“For me, I can’t walk around saying I’m on the Raptors and we have a terrible record. That’s a bad thing,” he added. “But I’m excited to just play in front of the crowd, the fans, family, and friends. It’s going to be a great night.”
More news: Iman Shumpert Raises Alarm on Mike Brown's Future After Knicks' Loss
Born in Toronto and raised in nearby Mississauga, RJ Barrett was a prodigy early, being the son of local legend Rowan Barrett, and dominating at Montverde Academy before starring at Duke.
He entered the NBA as the No. 3 overall pick in 2019, drafted by the New York Knicks, where he spent four and a half seasons before being traded to Toronto in December 2023.
Now, he's not just a key piece, he's the emotional bridge between the Raptors' past and future.
More news: Michael Wilbon Issues Strong Warning to Bulls After Billy Donovan Exit
More news: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Set to Make NBA History in Lakers-Rockets Series
Shifting back to the series, Cleveland took Game 1, 126–113, behind a dominant performance from Donovan Mitchell, who dropped 32 points and continued his trend of explosive playoff openers.
Game 2 followed a similar script, with a 115–105 Cavaliers win powered by Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley, who combined for 83 points.
Toronto has shown flashes, with Scottie Barnes (26 points in Game 2) and Barrett (22) carrying the scoring load, but inconsistency and turnovers have been costly.
Immanuel Quickley's absence has been particularly problematic, forcing Jamal Shead into an expanded role, while Brandon Ingram, the team's leading scorer and headline offseason addition, has yet to find his rhythm, scoring just 24 points combined over the first two games.
The series now shifts to Scotiabank Arena, where the Raptors will play their first home playoff game in four years, with a homegrown star stepping into the postseason spotlight in Toronto for the first time in his career.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 12:14 PM.