Raptors vs Cavaliers Recap: Cavs force series-clinching win in Game 7

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-102 on Sunday, May 3, eliminating Toronto from the playoffs. This Game 7 victory gave Cleveland the series 4-3. The Cavaliers dominated the second half, especially the third quarter when they outscored Toronto 38-19. After trailing 26-24 after the first quarter, Cleveland came roaring back. The turning point came during the third quarter when Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen took over, scoring consistently. By the end of three quarters, the Cavaliers led 87-68. Toronto fought back in the fourth quarter but couldn't quite catch up. James Harden's playmaking kept Cleveland's offense flowing smoothly throughout. The Raptors came without Brandon Ingram due to injury, which hurt their scoring depth. Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points, but it wasn't enough against Cleveland's balanced attack.

James Harden's arrival in Cleveland changed everything, and Game 7 showed exactly why. The veteran playmaker orchestrated the Cavaliers' offense with brilliant passing and timely scoring. During the pivotal third quarter, Harden distributed the ball perfectly to teammates cutting to the rim. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland's dominant big man, was unstoppable when catching lobs from Harden. Allen finished with 22 points and an impressive 19 rebounds. His presence in the paint made it extremely difficult for Toronto to score inside. Donovan Mitchell chipped in with 22 points, maintaining his scoring touch despite limited assists. The combination of Harden's playmaking, Mitchell's scoring, and Allen's rebounding created a perfect storm. By the time the fourth quarter began, Toronto trailed by 19 points. This dominant third-quarter performance essentially sealed the series for Cleveland.

Scottie Barnes played an incredible game for Toronto, showcasing his all-around skills with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. The versatile forward did everything the Raptors asked, defending multiple positions and facilitating the offense. RJ Barrett added 23 points and played all 43 minutes, battling hard on both ends. Despite their efforts, Toronto's missing pieces hurt their chances significantly. Without Brandon Ingram, the Raptors lacked their leading scorer and primary shot creator. Immanuel Quickley's hamstring injury also kept him sidelined. These absences meant Barnes and Barrett had to shoulder too much of the offensive load. The Raptors couldn't generate enough easy scoring opportunities in the third quarter collapse. Toronto's depth and versatility weren't enough to overcome Cleveland's balanced firepower and dominant rebounding advantage. This loss ends Toronto's playoff run as a surprising Eastern Conference contender.