Much Cleveland for so little Toronto: 2-0 for the Cavs at Harden's pace

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain in control of their series. With a solid performance from their main stars, the Ohio team defeated the Toronto Raptors 115-105, taking a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The offensive leadership once again was in the hands of Donovan Mitchell, scoring 30 points, well accompanied by James Harden with 28. They were joined by Evan Mobley, who contributed 25 points and eight rebounds, completing a dominant trio. It is the second consecutive year—and the fourth time overall—that Cleveland has had at least three players score 25 or more points in the same playoff game.

The team led by Kenny Atkinson never trailed in the game, showing solidity from the start. Despite various adjustments by Toronto, the Cavaliers remained calm and closed the game in the final stretch thanks to Mitchell and Harden.

The victory also reinforces a historical trend: Cleveland has won 12 consecutive playoff games against Toronto, equaling the NBA record for most consecutive wins against the same opponent in the postseason. This streak began in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals and continued with sweeps in 2017 and 2018.

However, Toronto competed better than in the first game. Scottie Barnes led his team with 26 points, a career-high in playoffs, while RJ Barrett contributed 22 points and nine rebounds.

The Raptors improved in transition, scoring 16 fast-break points compared to just three in the first game. However, turnovers were the major issue: 22 in total, directly translating into 22 points for Cleveland.

The key moment came in the final quarter. Toronto cut the deficit to 99-90 with a layup by Barnes, but Mitchell responded with seven consecutive points that sealed the game and thwarted any comeback attempts.

James Harden also stood out in playmaking. The guard reached 1,139 assists in the playoffs, ranking seventh in historical records, in addition to recording five steals, a feat he has achieved in four postseason games throughout his career.

Things looking good for the Cavs

Cleveland held a 16-point lead in the third quarter (73-57), but the Raptors reacted with a 16-6 run to stay alive before the final outcome.

Now, the series moves to Toronto, where the Raptors will seek to bounce back in the third game and prevent the Cavaliers from further extending their dominance in this matchup.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mucho Cleveland para tan poco Toronto: 2-0 para los Cavs al ritmo de Harden