CLEVELAND. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 125-120 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, powered by a decisive fourth quarter led by Dennis Schroder and Evan Mobley. The victory gives the Cavaliers a 3-2 series advantage in this NBA matchup, one win away from advancing.
The game started with a fast pace and constant back-and-forth scoring, but it was the Toronto Raptors who managed to impose their rhythm in the first half. With solid offensive execution led by RJ Barrett, the visitors went into halftime with a lead (74-67), extending the advantage after scoring the first five points of the third quarter.
The Cleveland Cavaliers never lost their grip on the game and began a slow comeback in the third period. Led by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, the team gradually cut into the deficit, though the Raptors maintained control through the end of the third quarter with a lead (103-100), leaving everything to play for in the decisive final stretch.
That's when the game turned. The Cleveland Cavaliers opened the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run that completely shifted the momentum. Jaylon Tyson tied the game with a step-back three-pointer and, shortly after, Evan Mobley punished from beyond the arc to put the home team ahead (106-103).
https://youtu.be/xv162fAhbac?si=gazUcgdmZ6nmwAai
From that point on, the dominance was clear. The Toronto Raptors entered an offensive collapse, missing their first 11 shots of the fourth quarter and finishing a poor 7 of 28 from the field. In contrast, the Cleveland Cavaliers showed much more efficient execution (9 of 19 in the quarter), solidifying their comeback.
In the final stretch, Dennis Schroder emerged as the key figure, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and proving decisive in securing the victory. Evan Mobley, with 23 points and two crucial three-pointers down the stretch, was another pillar of the win. James Harden also stood out with 23 points, and Donovan Mitchell contributed 19.
For the Toronto Raptors, RJ Barrett led the scoring with 25 points, accompanied by Ja'Kobe Walter's 20 and Jamal Shead's 18 off the bench. The Canadian team was also without Brandon Ingram, who left the game in the second quarter due to right heel soreness.
The Cleveland Cavaliers thus take control of the series in these NBA playoffs after a comeback performance, while the Toronto Raptors must respond quickly to avoid elimination.
Game 6 will be played in Toronto, where the Toronto Raptors will attempt to force a Game 7 against a Cleveland Cavaliers team that arrives with the series lead and the opportunity to close it out.