Tyrese Haliburton Has Epic Reaction to RJ Barrett’s Kawhi Leonard-esque Game Winner: “That Looked Familiar”

Tyrese Haliburton reacted to RJ Barrett’s game-winning 3-pointer in Game 6 between the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tyrese Haliburton Has Epic Reaction to RJ Barrett’s Kawhi Leonard-esque Game Winner: “That Looked Familiar”

Pacers' point guard Tyrese Haliburton (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Tyrese Haliburton reacted to RJ Barrett's buzzer-beater, noting its similarity to Kawhi Leonard's iconic shot.
  • RJ Barrett's three-pointer secured a 112-110 overtime victory for the Raptors, forcing a Game 7.
  • Fans compared Barrett's shot to Haliburton's clutch moments, suggesting he has started a trend in the NBA.

Tyrese Haliburton had to sit on the sidelines for the last year. Despite his absence, he has not stopped following the sport and posts often about basketball on social media. In what was one of the most thrilling games in the playoffs this year, RJ Barrett delivered the biggest shot of his young NBA career.

His three-pointer at the buzzer hit the back rim and bounced high into the air before dropping through the net. The shot brought back memories of Kawhi Leonard‘s iconic Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.

After the game, Haliburton took to his social media account and reacted to the game-winner.

That looked familiar.

Tyrese Haliburton via X

Heading into Game 6, the Raptors had their backs against the wall. With Brandon Ingram ruled out, they needed to find their scoring from elsewhere. After a neck-to-neck first quarter, the Canadian side took charge and had a double digit in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a spirited comeback and forced the game into overtime.

In the dying seconds of the match, the Raptors’ 2025-26 campaign was on the line till RJ Barrett hit the most clutch shot of his career. The Raptors secured a 112-110 overtime victory at the Scotiabank Arena and have sent the series to a Game 7.

Tyrese Halliburton knows a thing or two about making clutch shots after his deep playoff run with the Indiana Pacers last year. The Pacers guard has missed the entire season due to an ACL injury he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last year. However, that has not kept him away from talking about what has been happening this season.

Fans react to Tyrese Haliburton’s reaction to RJ Barrett’s buzzer-beater

The buzzer-beater from RJ Barrett has been the talk of the NBA world since the conclusion of the game. Considering his playoff run last year, it could be said that Barrett did a Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton made a similar shot against the New York Knicks last year, where the ball bounced off the rim and went in.

Following Haliburton’s post on X, fans were quick to react to his viral post on social media.

Fans reminisced Haliburton’s shot against the Knicks. Many went on to say that the Pacers star has started a trend of making such shots. The NBA world are in a for a thrilling Game 7 on Sunday night.

LeBron James reacts to RJ Barrett’s game-winning shot

The entire Scotiabank Arena would have had their hearts in their mouths when the ball first bounced off the rim. But it ended up being a friendly bounce, just like it did for Leonard back in 2019.

RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett (Image credits – NBA/X)

Along with Haliburton, LeBron James reacted to RJ Barrett’s game-winning three as well after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the next round.

Thank you RJ Barrett. Haven’t seen a shot in Toronto like that since Kawhi. Something about those rims. I’m happy.

LeBron James on RJ Barrett’s game-winning shot

The Raptors will be celebrating their Game 6 win, but they will need to lock in for a huge Game 7 in Cleveland. There have been no road wins so far in this series, hence, Raptors will need to pull off something special like they did on Friday night.

Also Read: