TORONTO. The Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 in NBA playoffs, tying the first-round Eastern Conference series 2-2. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, both with 23 points, led a crucial victory for the Canadian franchise, which decided the game in a tense finish and forced the Cavaliers to return home without a series advantage.
The game started with plenty of offensive mistakes and poor three-point shooting from both teams. The Toronto Raptors began cold from beyond the arc, missing their first 14 three-point attempts, while the Cleveland Cavaliers also struggled to find rhythm on offense. In that low-scoring scenario, rebounding and defense made the difference from the opening minutes.
Despite a poor individual start, Brandon Ingram grew into the game as it progressed. After missing nine of his first ten shots, the small forward responded before halftime with three consecutive baskets, including a buzzer-beating jumper that gave Toronto a 38-36 advantage at the break.
On the other side, the Cavaliers couldn't find continuity either. James Harden closed the first half with more turnovers (six) than made baskets (four), while Donovan Mitchell had an inconsistent shooting night and had converted just three shots through three quarters.
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When the game seemed stuck, Mitchell woke up in the final period. The shooting guard scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and kept the Cleveland Cavaliers alive, who entered the final two minutes with the lead and clear opportunities to break the series tie.
However, the Toronto Raptors responded in the decisive stretch. A penetration by RJ Barrett, who finished with 18 points, brought the home team within 87-86 with 49 seconds remaining. On the next possession, Cleveland turned the ball over by failing to cross midcourt within the allowed time, an action that changed the game's outcome.
With possession in their hands, Scottie Barnes attacked the rim, drew a foul, and converted both free throws to make it 88-87 with 34 seconds left to play. Afterward, Donovan Mitchell missed two shots in the final 25 seconds, including a three-pointer to tie. Toronto closed stronger from the line and sealed the victory.
Barnes completed an all-around performance with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Ingram also added 23 points, while Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds. For Cleveland, Mitchell finished with 20 points but on 6-of-24 shooting, Harden added 19, Sam Merrill scored 14, and Jarrett Allen grabbed 15 rebounds.
The Toronto Raptors won despite a poor 4-of-30 performance from three-point range, a testament to their competitive resilience in a game won through defense and mental toughness. Cleveland, meanwhile, paid dearly for their 18 turnovers.
The NBA playoff series now travels to Ohio for Game 5, which will be played Wednesday in Cleveland. After regaining momentum, Toronto arrives in strong form for a matchup that starts from scratch.