Cavaliers beat Raptors in Game 7 to reach Eastern Conference semifinals
Jarrett Allen dominated with 22 points and 19 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7 on Sunday to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The fourth-seeded franchise ensured the home team emerged victorious in every single game of this tightly contested first-round series.
Donovan Mitchell matched his team-mate’s scoring tally with 22 points, while James Harden contributed a crucial 18 points to secure the progression.
Cleveland will now travel to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night to open the second round of the postseason.
Allen inspires pivotal comeback
The Canadian visitors controlled the early stages of the decisive contest, building a 10-point advantage midway through the second quarter.
However, the hosts sparked a devastating 49-21 scoring run across a 15-minute span to turn a nine-point deficit into a commanding 19-point lead.
The towering centre was instrumental during this dominant stretch, securing 10 rebounds – including five on the offensive glass – to overwhelm the opposition.
A crucial 11-2 flurry just before half-time, fuelled by vital three-pointers from Harden, Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson, erased Toronto’s advantage entirely.
Raptors’ playoff return ends in heartbreak
The home side surged ahead immediately after the interval with nine unanswered points, highlighted by critical baskets from Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
Scottie Barnes fought valiantly to keep his team’s season alive, leading all scorers with 24 points alongside nine rebounds.
RJ Barrett also provided strong offensive support with 23 points, but the visitors ultimately fell short in the high-stakes encounter.
Despite the elimination, it marked a significant step forward for the franchise, who were making their first playoff appearance since 2022.
Attention for the victorious Ohio outfit now shifts to the impending Central Division clash against Detroit, following a regular season where the two rivals split their four meetings.
