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          NBA world reacts to Raptors-Celtics Game 6 'instant classic'

          • ESPN.com
          Sep 9, 2020, 10:03 PM ET

          It took 58 minutes of game time and 247 points, but the NBA's defending champions refuse to give up the crown easily.

          The Toronto Raptors forced a Game 7 on Wednesday night in a thrilling 125-122 double-overtime victory over the Boston Celtics, with a spot in the Eastern Conference finals now on the line Friday night. Eight players played 50 or more in Game 6, the most in a playoff game in NBA history. The Raptors and Celtics combined for 35 points in the second overtime, tied for the third most in an overtime period in NBA postseason history.

          The league's stars went to Twitter to react to what many deemed an "instant classic" inside the bubble.

          Kyle Lowry, played 53 minutes while putting up 33 points and eight rebounds in the win. However, his last two points were memorable, nailing a clutch jumper over Kemba Walker to essentially secure the game. Lowry, who now has three 30-point games when facing elimination, passed Vince Carter for most in franchise history. His NBA peers heaped praise on the six-time All-Star following his performance.

          Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, also chimed in to support the Raptors.

          MORE: No one expected the Raptors to be here, and that's fine with them