The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors reached halftime knotted at 54–54 on Thursday night in Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Toronto opened the game with high energy and strong shooting, but Cleveland managed to stay within reach despite an inconsistent performance on both ends of the floor.
Bench spark for Cleveland
Max Strus delivered 12 points and several rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench, while rookie Jaylon Tyson helped by finding open teammates near the rim. The Cavaliers will likely need continued production from their reserves to seize control in the second half.
Key matchups
Cleveland’s defense, led by Dean Wade, limited Brandon Ingram to five points on 2-of-5 shooting. Ingram also collected his fourth foul late in the second quarter, forcing him to sit.
Toronto countered with a dominant stretch from Scottie Barnes, who scored 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting and made an impact at both ends of the floor.
Shooting struggles
The Raptors hurt themselves at the free-throw line, converting only 6-of-12. Cleveland made 12-of-15 from the stripe.
Star guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for just seven points each, shooting 4-of-13 overall. Harden hit one of six attempts, all from three-point range. The Cavaliers will look for improved efficiency from at least one of their primary scorers after the break.
Inside presence
Evan Mobley posted nine points but went 2-of-7 from the field. Cleveland may need additional interior production to pull ahead.
The second half will determine whether Cleveland can capitalize on bench contributions and defensive pressure or if Barnes and the Raptors will convert their early momentum into a series lead.
Source: Hoops Wire
