Cavaliers Outlast Raptors 115-105 in Game 7, Advance to Face Pistons

Key facts

• Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Toronto Raptors 115-105 in Game 7 of the first-round playoff series.
• Jarrett Allen recorded 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the Cavaliers.
• Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points, James Harden added 18 points for Cleveland.
• Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists; RJ Barrett had 23 points.
• Brandon Ingram missed Games 6 and 7 with right heel inflammation; Immanuel Quickley missed the entire series with a hamstring injury.
• The Cavaliers won all four home games in the series; Toronto fell to 0-11 in playoff games in Cleveland.
• Cleveland will face the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals, starting Tuesday in Detroit.
• The Raptors and Cavaliers entered Game 7 with identical total points (669) through six games, the first such occurrence since the 2016 NBA Finals.

A Series of Parity Ends in Cleveland's Favor

After six games of near-perfect equilibrium, the Cleveland Cavaliers finally broke free. The Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 115-105 in Game 7 on Sunday night at Rocket Arena, clinching the first-round playoff series and advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The teams had scored exactly 669 points each through the first six games — the first time in a decade that two playoff opponents had identical totals through six games. The last occurrence was the 2016 NBA Finals, where Cleveland defeated Golden State. But in Game 7, the Cavaliers asserted dominance, outscoring Toronto 66-56 in the second half after a 49-49 tie at halftime.

Jarrett Allen's Monster Game Anchors Cleveland's Victory

Jarrett Allen delivered a career-defining performance, tying Donovan Mitchell for the team lead with 22 points on just 11 shots, while grabbing 19 rebounds — eight offensive — and adding three blocks and two steals. It was a stark turnaround for Allen, who had averaged fewer than 10 points per game in the first six contests. Allen's inside presence was crucial as Cleveland struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 11 of 39 three-point attempts. Mitchell and James Harden combined for 12 of 29 from the field and a dismal 3 of 14 from deep. Allen's efficiency and rebounding provided the foundation for the Cavaliers' offense.

Raptors' Injuries Prove Too Much to Overcome

Toronto entered the series already without guard Immanuel Quickley, who missed all seven games with a hamstring injury. Then Brandon Ingram, the team's leading scorer during the regular season at 21.5 points per game, was sidelined for Games 6 and 7 with right heel inflammation. Ingram had struggled throughout the series, averaging just 12 points on 32.8% shooting, but his absence removed a key offensive threat. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while RJ Barrett added 23 points — though he needed 25 shots to get there. Toronto's bench contributed only 19 points, compared to 34 from Cleveland's reserves, led by Max Strus and Sam Merrill. The Raptors also shot just 3 of 15 from three-point range in the second half.

Cleveland's Defense and Depth Prove Decisive

Coach Kenny Atkinson returned to a defense-first lineup, starting Dean Wade in Game 7. The move paid off: Cleveland's defense stifled Toronto's offense, particularly in the third quarter, where the Cavaliers built a lead as large as 22 points. Atkinson noted that the lineup had been Cleveland's best analytically during the series and could be effective against Detroit. Max Strus, coming off the bench, provided energy and antagonism, while Sam Merrill served as the sharpshooter. The Cavaliers' bench consistency — at least one reserve stepping up each night — was a recurring theme throughout the series.

A Historic Series and a Glimpse of the Future

The Raptors' elimination marks the end of a season that saw significant progress under third-year coach Darko Rajaković. Game 6 provided a memorable moment when RJ Barrett hit a buzzer-beater reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard's iconic 2019 shot, forcing Game 7. But Toronto's youth and injury woes ultimately caught up. For Cleveland, the victory sets up a second-round matchup with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, who rallied from a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic. Game 1 is Tuesday in Detroit. The Cavaliers will need to carry forward the defensive intensity and bench production that defined their series win.

What's Next for Both Teams

The Cavaliers face a formidable Pistons team that boasts the league's best record and a deep roster. Cleveland's ability to win on the road — they lost all three games in Toronto — will be tested. Atkinson's lineup adjustments and Allen's continued dominance will be critical. For Toronto, the offseason brings questions about Ingram's future, with two years and $40 million per year remaining on his contract. The Raptors have a young core in Barnes, Barrett, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, but need to address their offensive consistency and depth. The series exposed the gap between a playoff team and a contender.

A Hard-Fought Series That Came Down to One Game

In the end, the Cavaliers' talent and home-court advantage prevailed. Cleveland won all four games at Rocket Arena, while Toronto fell to 0-11 all-time in playoff games in Cleveland. The series was a testament to the parity in the Eastern Conference, where even a No. 5 seed could push a higher seed to the brink. But as the confetti fell on Sunday night, it was Cleveland celebrating a hard-earned victory — one that sets the stage for a compelling second-round battle against the Pistons.

The bottom line

• Jarrett Allen's 22-point, 19-rebound Game 7 was the difference, compensating for Cleveland's poor three-point shooting.
• Toronto's injuries to Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley left the Raptors without two key scorers, undermining their offense.
• The Cavaliers' defense and bench depth were consistent strengths throughout the series, with at least one reserve contributing each game.
• Cleveland's home-court advantage proved decisive, as they won all four games at Rocket Arena; Toronto is now 0-11 in playoff games there.
• The Raptors showed promise with young stars Barnes and Barrett but need to address offensive consistency and injury resilience.
• Cleveland advances to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game 1 on Tuesday in Detroit.