CLEVELAND (AP) – The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 115-105 on Monday night, securing a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 30 points, while James Harden contributed 28 points.
Evan Mobley also made a significant impact with 25 points and eight rebounds. The Cavaliers maintained their dominance throughout the game, never trailing and extending their playoff winning streak against the Raptors to 12 games, a record in NBA postseason history.
Cavaliers’ Historic Streak
The Cavaliers have achieved a remarkable feat, winning 12 consecutive playoff games against the Raptors. This streak began during the 2016 Eastern Conference finals, where the Cavaliers won the final three games. They also swept the Raptors in the second round in both 2017 and 2018.
Alongside their current streak against Toronto, the Cavaliers have similarly achieved 12-game winning streaks against other teams, including Detroit and Atlanta. The Los Angeles Lakers also hold a notable 12-game winning streak against Seattle from 1980 to 1989.
Raptors’ Performance
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with a playoff career-high of 26 points, while RJ Barrett added 22 points and nine rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Raptors fell short, unable to overcome the Cavaliers’ lead.
In a pivotal moment, a layup by Barnes narrowed the score to 99-90 midway through the fourth quarter, but Mitchell quickly responded with seven consecutive points to secure the victory for Cleveland.
Upcoming Game Details
The series now shifts to Toronto for Game 3, scheduled for Thursday night. The Cavaliers will look to extend their series lead, while the Raptors aim to bounce back on their home court.
Harden’s Milestone
James Harden’s performance included four assists, allowing him to move into seventh place on the playoff career list with 1,139 assists. Additionally, he recorded five steals, marking the fourth time he has achieved at least that many in a playoff game.
Game Flow
The Cavaliers maintained a strong position, leading 73-57 midway through the third quarter. However, the Raptors managed to mount a comeback with a 16-6 run, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.