NBA: Donovan Mitchell and James Harden Lead Cleveland Cavaliers Past Toronto Raptors 115-105 [2-0]

CLEVELAND. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 115-105 in the NBA playoffs and took a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference series. Donovan Mitchell, with 30 points, and James Harden, with 28, led the home team to control the game from the opening tip and responded decisively in crucial moments.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers came out with authority from the opening tip and never trailed on the scoreboard throughout the night. The team led by Kenny Atkinson imposed pace, defense, and offensive variety to establish differences from the opening minutes, also finding strong interior production from Evan Mobley, who recorded 25 points and 8 rebounds.

For much of the game, Cleveland maintained comfortable leads. Midway through the third quarter, the Cavaliers led 73-57, but the Toronto Raptors responded with a 16-6 run to get back into the contest and maintain tension heading into the final period.

Toronto improved its energy compared to the first game, especially in transition, adding 16 fast-break points after scoring just three in the opening game. Scottie Barnes led that comeback with the best playoff performance of his career, finishing with 26 points, while RJ Barrett contributed 22 points and 9 rebounds.

However, the visiting team's problem was turnovers. The Raptors committed 22 turnovers, their season-high, and allowed 22 points off those mistakes. That toll proved too heavy against a team of Cleveland's caliber.

When Toronto got close with a layup from Barnes to within 99-90 late in the fourth quarter, Donovan Mitchell appeared to seal it. The Cavaliers' star rattled off seven consecutive points, stifling any Canadian comeback attempt and securing the series' second victory.

Beyond his scoring impact, James Harden delivered another complete performance with four assists, reaching seventh all-time in playoff assists with 1,139, and added five steals, further evidence of his influence on both sides of the floor.

The victory extends 12 consecutive playoff wins for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Toronto Raptors, tying an NBA record for consecutive dominance against the same opponent in the postseason. The series now heads to Canada, where Toronto will attempt to respond in Game 3 on Thursday.