The Cleveland Cavaliers never trailed, never blinked, and never let the Toronto Raptors believe this series was theirs to steal. Donovan Mitchell poured in 30 points, James Harden added 28, and the Cavaliers held firm for a 115-105 win on Monday night—their 12th straight postseason victory over the Raptors, tying an NBA playoff record.
Three Cavaliers Stars, One Statement
Mitchell and Harden closed it, but Evan Mobley made sure the Cavaliers had balance. His 25 points and eight rebounds gave Cleveland three players with at least 25 points in a playoff game—something they’ve now done in back-to-back seasons. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised the poise: “They threw the kitchen sink at us… Donovan and James closed it for us, but I thought our defense kind of forced them to go small.”
Raptors Fight, But Turnovers Bite
Scottie Barnes delivered a playoff career-high 26 points, RJ Barrett added 22 with 9 rebounds, and Toronto looked sharper in transition with 16 fast-break points after being held to just three in Game 1. But the Raptors unraveled under pressure, committing a season-high 22 turnovers that turned into 22 Cavaliers points. Barnes admitted: “The only time the game got away was when we made a lot of turnovers.”
Cleveland built a 73-57 cushion midway through the third quarter, only to watch Toronto claw back with a 16-6 run. A driving layup by Barnes cut the deficit to 99-90 in the fourth. That was as close as it got. Mitchell answered with seven straight points, silencing the rally and sealing the night.
Harden’s Milestone
Harden’s impact went beyond scoring. His four assists moved him into seventh place all-time in playoff history with 1,139, and his 5 steals marked the fourth time he’s hit that mark in a postseason game. It was vintage Harden—steady, opportunistic, and relentless.
Cleveland’s dominance over Toronto stretches back a decade, with sweeps in 2017 and 2018 and now another streak threatening to bury the Raptors again. Game 3 shifts north to Toronto on Friday. The Cavaliers carry history, momentum, and a 2-0 lead. The Raptors carry urgency—and the weight of breaking a streak that has defined this matchup.
