Cavs Advance to Round 2 After Game 7 Victory Over Raptors

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their playoff series victory with a commanding 114-102 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Rocket Arena. The win advances the Cavs to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, where they will face the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons, starting with Game 1 on Tuesday, May 5, in Detroit.

Jarrett Allen delivered a career-best playoff performance, finishing with 22 points and 19 rebounds. His dominance in the third quarter—where he scored 14 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in just 12 minutes—was a turning point in the game. The Cavs outscored the Raptors 38-19 in that period, building an insurmountable lead after a tight first half.

The Raptors, who entered the game without key players Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram, struggled to contain Cleveland’s frontcourt. The Cavs’ bench, particularly small forward Max Strus, provided crucial energy off the bench, helping the team overcome early deficits and secure the series win.

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson made a strategic lineup adjustment, starting forward Dean Wade alongside guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, forward Evan Mobley, and center Jarrett Allen. This lineup proved effective, as the Cavs seized control after halftime and never looked back.

The Raptors fought hard in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead to single digits at times, but ultimately fell short. The Cavs’ ability to dominate the boards—outrebounding Toronto 60-33—was a decisive factor, as it allowed them to sustain possessions and wear down the Raptors’ defense.

Despite the heartbreak, the Raptors’ resilience in a hostile environment highlighted their competitive spirit. However, their inability to limit Cleveland’s rebounding and transition offense ultimately decided the series. The Cavs now look ahead to their next challenge: the Detroit Pistons.

With the series victory, the Cavs have overcome a first-round scare and will now focus on preparing for their second-round matchup. The Pistons, led by former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, will be a formidable opponent, but Cleveland’s depth and playoff experience will be tested once again.

For the Raptors, the season ends with a mix of accomplishment and disappointment. While they made it back to the playoffs for the first time in four years, their early exit serves as a reminder of areas that need improvement, particularly on the defensive glass and in transition.

As the NBA Playoffs continue, the Cavs’ next step is to build on their hard-fought victory and aim for deeper playoff success. The Pistons await in Detroit, ready to test Cleveland’s resilience once again.