It wasn’t pretty, but the Toronto Raptors secured a 93-89 victory in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. The series is now tied 2-2.
From the beginning, it was clear that both squads were going to have difficulties scoring. The Raptors and Cavs both played elite defense, but even the open shots weren’t falling for anyone.
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After an ugly opening quarter, the Cavs led 17-14.
Mostly everyone on the court remained cold in the second quarter as the Cavs slowly increased their lead. A quick 10-0 run helped the Raptors took a 38-36 lead by halftime.
The third quarter was a more chaotic affair of low-scoring runs. The Cavs would grind out a few tough buckets in a row before the Raptors did the same in response.
Toronto remained ahead by two points going into the final quarter.
The Raptors remained ahead early in the final frame, but Donovan Mitchell came alive midway through to put the Cavs ahead by eight with five minutes to go.
After a few free throws, Brandon Ingram sank a huge three to cut the lead back to two with less than three minutes to play. Sam Merrill responded with a three of his own before Ingram was fouled on a long-range attempt.
He sank two of his three attempts at the line to make it a three-point game. Both Mitchell and James Harden missed multiple open looks before RJ Barrett made it a one-point game with a layup.
Strong full-court defense from Jamal Shead forced the Cavs into an eight-second violation and a turnover with 40 seconds to play.
On the other end, Scottie Barnes tried to posterize Jarrett Allen but was fouled and went to the line. He knocked down two clutch free throws and the Raptors were ahead by one.
Mitchell missed a tough layup attempts and the long rebound careened off the hands of Max Strus, giving Toronto possession.
Cleveland sent Barnes back to the line with 20 seconds to play, where he sank them both to go up by three. Mitchell once again missed a contested three before tumbling into the stands trying to save the rebound.
Barrett sank one of two on the other end to go up by four with six seconds left. Merrill quickly sank a long two before Barnes sank two more free throws to seal the win.
Barnes led the way for Toronto with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists while Ingram finished with 23 points and six rebounds.
For Cleveland, Mitchell had 20 points and six rebounds while Harden put up 19 points and eight assists.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
