Cavaliers Dominate Third Quarter to Eliminate Raptors in Game 7, Set Up Pistons Showdown

Key facts

• Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7 on May 3 at Rocket Arena.
• Jarrett Allen recorded 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 3 blocks, becoming the second Cavalier with 20+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Game 7.
• Donovan Mitchell added 22 points, while James Harden contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds.
• Cleveland outrebounded Toronto 60-33, including 20-7 on offensive boards.
• Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists; RJ Barrett scored 23 points.
• The Cavaliers advanced to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game 1 on May 5 in Detroit.
• Toronto played without Brandon Ingram due to a heel injury.
• The home team won every game in the series.

A Tight Series Finally Breaks Open

For 26 quarters, the first-round playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors was as evenly matched as possible. Entering Game 7 on Sunday night at a packed Rocket Arena, both teams had scored exactly 718 total points and shot 47 percent from the field. The first half of the decisive game mirrored that parity, ending in a 49-49 tie. Then the Cavaliers seized control. A 25-10 run to open the third quarter, capped by a Max Strus steal and assist to Jarrett Allen for a breakaway dunk, pushed Cleveland's lead to 19 points by period's end. Toronto managed just five field goals in the quarter, and the Cavaliers never looked back.

Allen and Mitchell Power Cleveland's Offense

Center Jarrett Allen delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 22 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 7-of-11 from the field. Eight of his rebounds came on the offensive glass, helping the Cavaliers outrebound the Raptors 60-33 overall and 20-7 on offensive boards. He became the second player in franchise history to record at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in a Game 7. Guard Donovan Mitchell also scored 22 points, while point guard James Harden added 18 points and six rebounds. Forward Evan Mobley and guard Sam Merrill each contributed 13 points, with Mobley grabbing seven rebounds. Small forward Max Strus finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, though he was assessed a flagrant 1 foul for appearing to headbutt Scottie Barnes.

Raptors' Efforts Fall Short Without Ingram

Toronto played without forward Brandon Ingram, sidelined by a heel injury. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. RJ Barrett, who hit the game-winning shot in Game 6 to force Game 7, added 23 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Guard Jamal Shead contributed 14 points. The Raptors struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 8-of-28 from three-point range, and were outrebounded by 27. Despite a late push in the fourth quarter, they could not overcome Cleveland's third-quarter surge.

Cleveland's Third Straight Semifinal Appearance

With the victory, the Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the third consecutive season. However, the franchise has not progressed past that round since 2018, when they reached the NBA Finals for the fourth straight year during the LeBron James era. Last season, Cleveland was eliminated in the second round by the Indiana Pacers in five games despite being the top seed. Donovan Mitchell vowed to bounce back from that disappointment, and Sunday's win marked a step toward redemption. The Cavaliers will now face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, who also had to fight through a first-round series, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic.

Quick Turnaround for Semifinals Opener

The Cavaliers have little time to rest. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in Detroit. The Pistons, as the top seed, will have home-court advantage. Cleveland's ability to dominate the boards and control the paint will be critical against a Detroit team that has already shown resilience. The Cavaliers aim to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2018, but they must first overcome a Pistons squad that has proven it can rally from adversity.

The bottom line

• Cleveland's third-quarter dominance (25-10 run) was the decisive factor in Game 7, as they outscored Toronto 37-22 in the period.
• Jarrett Allen's double-double (22 points, 19 rebounds) was a historic Game 7 performance for the Cavaliers.
• The Cavaliers' rebounding advantage (60-33) was the largest margin of the series and a key to their victory.
• Toronto played without Brandon Ingram, and their three-point shooting (8-of-28) hurt their comeback chances.
• Cleveland advances to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game 1 on May 5 in Detroit.
• The Cavaliers have not reached the conference finals since 2018, and this series will test their ability to overcome a higher seed.