Cavaliers advance to Eastern Conference semifinals following decisive Game 7 victory over Raptors
Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell lead the charge as the home team completes a seven-game sweep
The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a commanding 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 7. The result marks the conclusion of a first-round series in which the home team won all seven games, effectively ending Toronto's campaign.
Jarrett Allen delivered a career-defining performance for the Cavaliers, recording a playoff career-high with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell matched that scoring output with 22 points, while James Harden contributed 18 points to support the effort. The Cavaliers, seeded fourth in the conference, will now face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the second round.
The game featured a significant turnaround in momentum, as Cleveland overcame a nine-point deficit to build a 19-point advantage. The team executed a 49-21 run during a 15-minute span across the second and third quarters to shift the series trajectory. This surge included a nine-point opening to the third quarter, where Mitchell scored five points and Anthony Mobley added four.
Despite a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc, the Cavaliers managed to take the lead. The team was 4-of-17 from three-point range before James Harden, Max Strus, and Jaylon Tyson connected with their respective shots to secure the lead. The Cavaliers eventually took the lead with nine straight points to open the third quarter, stabilising the game against Toronto's efforts.
For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led the way with 24 points and nine rebounds, while RJ Barrett scored 23 points. The victory represents the first time the Raptors have appeared in the playoffs since 2022, a run that ended with a decisive defeat in this elimination game.
The first game of the second round between Cleveland and Detroit is scheduled for Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena. The Cavaliers will look to build on their defensive dominance and offensive consistency as they prepare to face a Pistons side that has reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
