The Toronto Raptors were on fire all game on Thursday as they took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 in Game 3 to avoid an 0-3 deficit.
TOP NEWS
The Cavaliers jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead before RJ Barrett and the Raptors responded swiftly and regained control. Toronto shot the ball very efficiently both from the floor and from beyond the arc. After 12 minutes, the Raptors were ahead by six.
Cleveland came out stronger in the second quarter, though. The Cavs looked more like themselves on defense while a balanced approach on offense helped them trim the deficit.
By halftime, the game was tied at 54.
The third quarter was the most competitive period of the game. Cleveland struggled more with turnovers, but they had a slightly better third frame in terms of shooting.
Home court advantage was a major factor for Toronto in the final quarter. The final 12 minutes consisted of a complete momentum shift in favor of the Raptors.
The Cavaliers went ice-cold from deep while the Raptors barely missed at all. Barrett and Scottie Barnes were unstoppable down the stretch as the Raptors lead ballooned to 25 and counting.
Cleveland finished the game with a 44% field goal percentage and a 31% three-point percentage while the Raptors shot a blistering 57% from the floor and 61% from deep.
Barnes put up 33 points, five rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 11-of-17 from the floor. Barrett also dropped 33 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists.
For the Cavs, James Harden had 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus each contributed 15 points.
James Parker contributed to this story.
