Jarrett Allen's Historic Game 7 Propels Cavaliers Past Raptors into Second Round

Key facts

• Jarrett Allen scored 22 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in Game 7.
• Cleveland defeated Toronto 114-102 to win the first-round series 4-3.
• The home team won all seven games in the series.
• Donovan Mitchell also scored 22 points for the Cavaliers.
• Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points and 9 rebounds.
• Detroit beat Orlando 116-94 in Game 7 to advance, overcoming a 3-1 deficit.
• Cade Cunningham averaged 32.4 points in the series for the Pistons.
• Detroit won a playoff series for the first time since 2008.

A Dominant Performance in a Decisive Game

Jarrett Allen tied his NBA playoff career high with 22 points and pulled down 19 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers closed out the Toronto Raptors with a 114-102 victory in Game 7 on Sunday. The win sends the No. 4 seed Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. Allen's double-double marked a historic achievement: he became the first Cavalier since LeBron James to post such numbers in a Game 7. The center's effort on both ends of the floor was pivotal in a series where the home team won every contest.

Cleveland's Comeback and Key Contributors

Toronto led for most of the first half and held a 10-point advantage midway through the second quarter before Cleveland mounted a comeback. The Cavaliers closed the half with an 11-2 run to tie the game at 49. They then opened the third quarter with nine straight points, taking a lead they never relinquished. Donovan Mitchell also scored 22 points for Cleveland, while James Harden added 18. The Cavaliers' Australian guard Tyrese Proctor, 22, remained on the bench for most of the series, playing only two minutes and 38 seconds in his first NBA post-season.

Toronto's Valiant Effort Falls Short

Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points and nine rebounds, and RJ Barrett scored 23. Toronto, making its first playoff appearance since 2022, fought hard but could not overcome Cleveland's second-half surge. The Raptors' offense stalled in the final six quarters of the series, scoring just 113 points — an average of 18.8 per period.

Detroit's Historic Series Win Sets Up Second-Round Clash

Earlier on Sunday, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7, winning a playoff series for the first time in nearly two decades. Cade Cunningham had 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris added 30 points. The duo became the first Pistons teammates to each score 30 points in a playoff game since 1977. Detroit became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit, and the second in as many nights after Philadelphia eliminated Boston. Cunningham averaged 32.4 points for the series. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Harris, saying, "No one can ever say (stuff) to me about Tobias Harris. He's a leader and a great human being, and he's a high-level competitor. He showed up tonight and did what he did with everything on the line."

What Lies Ahead for Cleveland and Detroit

The Cavaliers and Pistons will now meet in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, a matchup that promises intensity. Cleveland will rely on Allen's interior presence and Mitchell's scoring, while Detroit boasts a high-powered offense led by Cunningham. The series will test both teams' depth and resilience after grueling seven-game first rounds. For the Cavaliers, Allen's ability to replicate his Game 7 performance will be crucial. The Pistons, meanwhile, will look to carry momentum from their historic comeback. The winner advances to the conference finals, with a berth in the NBA Finals at stake.

A Turning Point for Allen and the Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen's performance in Game 7 may signal a turning point for the center, who has faced scrutiny in previous post-seasons. His ability to dominate the boards and score efficiently against a tough Raptors defense underscores his growth. As the Cavaliers prepare for Detroit, Allen's emergence as a reliable playoff performer could define their championship aspirations. The series against the Pistons will be a stern test, but Cleveland has shown it can win in high-pressure situations. Allen's historic night — reminiscent of LeBron James' Game 7 heroics — has given the Cavaliers a new sense of belief.

The bottom line

• Jarrett Allen tied his playoff career high with 22 points and 19 rebounds in a Game 7 win, becoming the first Cavalier since LeBron James to achieve such numbers.
• Cleveland advanced to the Eastern Conference semi-finals after a 114-102 victory over Toronto, winning a series where the home team prevailed in all seven games.
• Detroit defeated Orlando 116-94 in Game 7, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series for the first time since 2008.
• Cade Cunningham averaged 32.4 points in the series, while Tobias Harris scored 30 in the decisive game, marking the first Pistons duo to each score 30 in a playoff game since 1977.
• The Cavaliers and Pistons will meet in the second round, with both teams coming off hard-fought seven-game series.