Key Takeaways:
- Cleveland overturned a deficit to claim a 125-120 victory over Toronto in Game 5, moving ahead 3-2 in the series
- Dennis Schroder contributed 11 of his 19 points in the decisive fourth quarter, while Evan Mobley notched 23 points, highlighted by two late three-pointers
- All-star forward Brandon Ingram exited in the second quarter with right heel inflammation, and Game 6 will take place on Friday night in Toronto
Game Analysis: Cavaliers Rally in Fourth Quarter
The Cleveland Cavaliers mounted a dramatic turnaround in Game 5 of their first-round playoff clash with the Toronto Raptors, clinching a narrow 125-120 win on home court on Wednesday night. Despite trailing by seven points at half-time and allowing Toronto to extend the gap early in the third quarter, Cleveland gradually closed the margin before making their decisive push.
Dennis Schroder proved instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 19 points to spearhead the comeback. Evan Mobley was another key figure, delivering 23 points overall and drilling two crucial three-pointers in the final period. Their late-game exploits enabled Cleveland to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series as attention shifts to Game 6 in Toronto on Friday night.
THAT'S A W IN THE LAND.
📊 HIGHLIGHTS & STATS: https://t.co/N8f9GGajjB@Redfin | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/0vkqs5emHu
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 30, 2026
Player Performances: Clutch Moments and Key Contributors
James Harden added critical support for the Cavaliers with 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell contributed 19 in the winning effort. The Raptors, meanwhile, saw RJ Barrett top-score with 25 points, with Ja’Kobe Walter providing a spark off the bench with 20. Jamal Shead chipped in with 18 points in reserve duty.
Toronto suffered a blow when all-star forward Brandon Ingram was forced to leave play in the second quarter due to right heel inflammation, impacting their rotation in the second half.
Turning Points and Statistics
Toronto held a 74-67 lead at the interval and quickly built upon it after the break, but Cleveland responded methodically. Entering the fourth quarter down 103-100, the Cavaliers seized the initiative by opening the period with an eight-point surge. Jaylon Tyson knotted the game at 103 apiece with a step-back three-pointer, followed by Mobley’s triple which put Cleveland ahead 106-103.
While the Cavaliers found their rhythm at the crucial moment – hitting 7 of their first 11 attempts and finishing 9 of 19 for the quarter – Toronto struggled to convert, missing their first 11 shots and finishing just 7 of 28 in the final twelve minutes.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tilted in Cleveland’s favour at 3-2, both teams will travel to Toronto for a pivotal Game 6 on Friday night. The Cavaliers will seek to close out the series, while the Raptors will look to force a decisive seventh game.
