NBA Playoffs: Toronto Raptors breathe life into series against Cleveland Cavaliers

Toronto clings to the series with a resounding and cohesive performance that revives its aspirations in these playoffs. The Toronto Raptors dominated from start to finish to prevail 126-104 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third game, narrowing the gap (1-2) in the Eastern series.

The game had a standout player from the opening tip-off: Scottie Barnes. The forward delivered an impressive performance, setting the scoring pace for his team with a consistent progression: 10 points in the first quarter, 8 in the second, and 13 in the third, closing the night with 33 points. Alongside him, RJ Barrett matched that figure after an explosive final quarter, scoring 16 points to seal the game.

Cleveland, more balanced in numbers — with up to six players in double digits — couldn't find an answer against the home team's defense. Toronto's work on its perimeter was key, limiting James Harden and Donovan Mitchell to a combined 33 points on 12 of 29 shooting, far from their usual level.

Raptors' Keys

If Barnes led the way and Barrett finished the job, the differential factor came from the bench. Jamison Battle, with little prominence in the first two games, burst into action in the final quarter. The shooting guard ruthlessly punished from beyond the arc with four crucial hits, along with three more from Barrett, exciting the fans and stretching the lead to 25 points.

The outside accuracy had been a warning in the first quarter when Toronto went a flawless 5 for 5 from long range, but it was in the final stretch where that resource proved decisive to seal the game.

The victory marks the Raptors' first joy in playoffs since 2022 and changes the tone of the series. With morale restored and backed by their fans, Toronto will seek to even out the series (2-2) in the fourth game, to be played again at home next Sunday.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Playoffs NBA: Toronto Raptors le da vida a la eliminatoria ante Cleveland Cavaliers