The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a 125-120 comeback win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, taking a 3-2 lead in the series.
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Wednesday’s matchup was a chaotic battle of scoring runs, amplified by multiple heated moments between the two squads.
Scottie Barnes and the Raptors came out strong and jumped out to a 12-point first quarter lead. But James Harden and the Cavaliers quickly stormed back to take a four-point lead after 12 minutes.
The second quarter began quietly, but the Raptors once again erupted on offense. They caught fire before halftime to put up 40 total points in the frame and retake a seven-point advantage.
Cleveland made strong adjustments at halftime and played much better defense in the second quarter. At the same time, the Cavaliers shot 13-of-20 in the third frame, cutting the deficit to three heading into the final quarter.
The final 12 minutes saw the Cavaliers take full control. Evan Mobley anchored the defense while Harden facilitated the offense. Toronto struggled to keep up in the fourth, going cold on offense at the worst time possible.
It got close down the stretch, but Cleveland played solid defense to stay in front for the victory.
Harden and Mobley led the way for the Cavaliers and each finished with 23 points and nine rebounds.
For Toronto, RJ Barrett had 25 points and 12 rebounds. The series now heads back to Toronto with the Cavaliers in front 3-2.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
