Cleveland Survives Game 7, Eliminates Toronto 114-102
cavs-outlast-raptors-game-7-advance-to-second-round
The Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Toronto Raptors 114-102 on Sunday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, clinching the best-of-seven series 4-3 and moving on to the Eastern Conference second round.
The teams were locked at 49-49 at halftime, but Cleveland opened the third quarter with a 9-0 burst and never trailed again. The Cavaliers outscored Toronto 38-19 in the period, building a cushion that grew to 20 points early in the fourth.
Center Jarrett Allen fueled the decisive run, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and two blocks in the third quarter alone. He finished with 22 points, 18 boards and matched his playoff career high with three blocks.
Donovan Mitchell also scored 22 and highlighted Cleveland’s effort by diving into the second row after a loose ball in the final quarter. Harden added 18 points, while Evan Mobley and Sam Merrill contributed 13 apiece.
The physical contest produced three Cleveland flagrant fouls in the second half, more than the club had accumulated throughout the previous 88 games combined, according to team officials.
Toronto fought to the end but could not overcome Cleveland’s 55-41 rebounding edge and 52 percent shooting after halftime.
The Cavaliers open the second round Tuesday night in Detroit.
Source: Hoops Wire
