Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors: Game 4 1st Round Playoff Replay Highlights

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors played a tightly contested Game 4 in their first-round NBA playoff series on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with the Raptors securing a 93-89 victory to even the series at 2-2. The game, held at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, marked a critical turning point in the best-of-seven matchup, forcing a decisive Game 5 back in Cleveland on Wednesday, April 29.

Cavaliers Squander Early Series Lead

Entering the series, the fourth-seeded Cavaliers had built a commanding 2-0 lead with dominant performances in Games 1 and 2 at home. Guard Donovan Mitchell and forward James Harden led the charge, while Dean Wade effectively neutralized Raptors All-Star Brandon Ingram, holding him to minimal impact in Cleveland’s back-to-back wins. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once the series moved to Toronto.

In Game 3, the Raptors came out aggressively, using a 21-2 run in the fourth quarter to blow out the Cavaliers and shift the series’ tone. Game 4 proved equally challenging for Cleveland, as the team struggled to regain its footing in a low-scoring, defensive battle. Despite flashes of brilliance from Mitchell and Harden, the Cavaliers failed to execute in clutch moments, ultimately falling short in the final minutes.

Game 4: A War of Attrition

The contest was defined by physical defense, missed opportunities, and late-game drama. With 20.1 seconds remaining, Raptors forward Scottie Barnes hit two free throws to give Toronto a 90-87 lead. On the ensuing possession, Mitchell missed a three-pointer with roughly 10 seconds left, and the Cavaliers failed to secure the rebound, turning the ball over.

Raptors guard RJ Barrett extended the lead to 91-87 with 6.3 seconds remaining after splitting a pair of free throws. Cleveland’s Sam Merrill responded with a jump shot, which replay review confirmed was worth two points, cutting the deficit to 91-89 with 4.2 seconds left. However, Barnes returned to the line and sank two more free throws with 3.8 seconds remaining, sealing the 93-89 victory for Toronto.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Mitchell and Harden remained the Cavaliers’ most consistent performers, but the team’s supporting cast struggled to contribute in critical moments. Wade, who had effectively contained Ingram in the first two games, saw his defensive impact diminish as the series progressed. Meanwhile, the Raptors’ bench provided a spark, with Barnes and Barrett delivering clutch plays down the stretch.

The Cavaliers’ inability to close out games in Toronto has raised questions about their resilience in hostile environments. After dominating the first two contests at home, Cleveland now faces pressure to regroup before Game 5, where a win would give them a chance to close out the series on their own court. A loss, however, would send the series back to Toronto for a potential Game 6, with the Raptors holding momentum.

What’s Next

The series resumes on Wednesday, April 29, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. With the score tied 2-2, both teams will look to assert dominance early, knowing that a victory could swing the momentum decisively in their favor. For the Cavaliers, the challenge will be to rediscover the form that carried them to a 2-0 start, while the Raptors will aim to build on their newfound confidence and push for a series lead.

The outcome of Game 5 could set the tone for the remainder of the series, with both teams vying for a potential advantage in a tightly contested first-round matchup.