Cleveland Braces for Decisive Game 7 After Painful Overtime Defeat in Toronto
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The Cleveland Cavaliers return home Sunday evening needing one victory to avoid another early playoff exit after Friday’s 112-110 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors in Game 6.
Toronto, playing without injured starters Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram, controlled the first three quarters at Scotiabank Arena before Cleveland erased a double-digit gap to force overtime. The Cavaliers twice led inside the final minute of the extra period, but RJ Barrett’s high-bouncing jumper sealed the game for the Raptors.
Mitchell: “We’ve got to protect home court”
Guard Donovan Mitchell told reporters the focus quickly shifted to the deciding contest at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where the home team has won every game of the series and Toronto is 0-10 all-time in postseason play.
“If I sit here and continue to sulk about that shot, then we’re not preparing for what’s coming,” Mitchell said. “They won. Cool. We’ve got to protect home court. Simple as that.”
Harden Downplays Game 7 Label
Backcourt partner James Harden echoed the sentiment, calling the finale “just one game at home.” Harden has averaged 5.7 turnovers during the series under Toronto’s persistent ball pressure.
“The best players aren’t going to score 30 every game,” he noted. “For us, it’s doing what’s necessary to win.”
Mobley Questions Late No-Call
Evan Mobley believes officials missed a crucial play in overtime when Collin Murray-Boyles knocked the ball off the Cavaliers forward, creating the turnover that preceded Barrett’s winner. Still, Mobley said the team cannot dwell on the sequence.
“This is what we fought for early in the season, to get home-court advantage,” he said. “We’ve just got to come together and produce.”
High Stakes for NBA’s Costliest Roster
With the league’s most expensive payroll, the Cavaliers could face significant offseason changes if they do not advance. For now, history favors Cleveland: every game in the first-round matchup has been won by the home club.
Tipoff for Game 7 is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday in Cleveland.
Source: Hoops Rumors
