Cavs stumble in Toronto as Raptors trim series gap to 2-1
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The Cleveland Cavaliers lost control late and dropped Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup, falling 126-104 to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena. Cleveland still leads the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Sunday in Toronto.
Turnovers and cold shooting derail Cleveland
The Cavaliers stayed within reach for three quarters — the score was even at halftime and they trailed by two entering the fourth — but a flurry of mistakes opened the door for Toronto’s decisive run. Cleveland committed 23 turnovers, including two back-court violations and two plays in which ballhandlers stepped out of bounds.
James Harden posted a team-high 18 points yet finished with eight turnovers against four assists. Donovan Mitchell added 15 points on 1-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, while Evan Mobley also scored 15 but went 4-for-13 from the field.
Raptors ride hot perimeter shooting
Toronto connected on 61 percent of its three-point attempts after struggling from long range in the first two games. Scottie Barnes powered the offense with 33 points and physical defense, and RJ Barrett matched him with 33 of his own. Rookie center Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting, and reserve forward Jamison Battle hit all five of his shots for 14 points.
The Raptors’ game plan centered on forcing a rugged pace and pressuring Cleveland’s guards. The strategy paid off, disrupting Harden and Mitchell throughout the night and leading to the Cavaliers’ late collapse.
Outlook for Game 4
Cleveland can still regain full control by winning Sunday, which would give the club a 3-1 advantage heading back to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. A repeat of Thursday’s turnover-filled performance, however, would allow Toronto to even the series.
Source: Hoops Wire
