Key Takeaways:
- Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each recorded career playoff-highs with 33 points as Toronto defeated Cleveland 126-104
- The Raptors ended a 12-game playoff losing streak against the Cavaliers and reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1
- Game 4 will take place on Sunday afternoon in Toronto
Record-Setting Performances Propel Toronto
Scottie Barnes reached new playoff career-highs with 33 points and 11 assists, while RJ Barrett matched that scoring tally with his own best playoff output, driving the Toronto Raptors to a resounding 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This triumph, secured on Thursday night in Toronto, broke Toronto’s 12-game playoff losing streak against Cleveland and narrowed the Cavaliers’ advantage in the Eastern Conference first-round series to 2-1.
Barnes also contributed five rebounds, shot an efficient 11-for-17 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and converted 8-of-10 free throws. Notably, despite accumulating three fouls by halftime, he completed the game without incurring another. RJ Barrett was similarly impressive from long range, ending 6-for-8 on three-point attempts. Their efforts were crucial in helping Toronto seize control of the contest late.
WE GOT THE W 😤🔥
Presented by @McDonaldsCanada pic.twitter.com/BoKooaE1k4
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 24, 2026
Supporting Cast and Crucial Fourth Quarter
Collin Murray-Boyles made franchise history as the first Raptors rookie to score at least 20 points in a playoff game, finishing with 22. He was joined in double figures by Jamison Battle, who notched all 14 of his points in the final quarter, and Brandon Ingram, who contributed 12. The Raptors extended their slim two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter by shooting an outstanding 8-for-9 from three-point range during the period and outscoring Cleveland 43-23. Battle was particularly deadly, connecting on all four of his three-point attempts in the final stanza.
Cleveland’s Streak Comes to an End
For Cleveland, James Harden topped the scoring sheet with 18 points, followed by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus, who each tallied 15. Harden went 5-for-13 from the floor and 3-for-10 from long range, as Toronto’s defence kept him under pressure throughout the game. Mitchell converted 7-of-16 shots, including one three-pointer on seven attempts, while Mobley shot 4-for-13 and missed all four of his three-point efforts. Jaylon Tyson and Jarrett Allen chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers’ run of 12 straight playoff victories over Toronto, stretching back to the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals and including sweeps in both 2017 and 2018, came to a close. Cleveland had previously equalled the NBA’s record for consecutive postseason wins against a single opponent with Monday’s Game 2 victory, joining previous 12-game streaks against Detroit and Atlanta, while the Los Angeles Lakers set the bar with 12 consecutive playoff wins over Seattle from 1980 to 1989.
| Toronto Raptors | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottie Barnes | 33 | 11 | 5 |
| RJ Barrett | 33 | 5 | 5 |
| Collin Murray-Boyles | 22 | 2 | 8 |
| Jamison Battle | 14 | 0 | 2 |
| Brandon Ingram | 12 | 2 | 3 |
Statistical Notes and Upcoming Fixture
The Raptors generated 23 points from 22 Cleveland turnovers, highlighting their defensive prowess. Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley remained sidelined due to a right hamstring injury.
Game 4 in this best-of-seven series is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Toronto as the Raptors aim to level the series at home.
