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.
The Detroit Pistons have won their first NBA playoff series in 18 years by routing the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
Cade Cunningham orchestrated the decisive victory in Michigan with a spectacular performance, registering 32 points and 12 assists.
The standout guard was ably supported by Tobias Harris, who contributed 30 points to secure progression to the next round.
Detroit will now host Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals on Tuesday against either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Toronto Raptors.
A historic post-season turnaround
The Pistons have become only the 15th team in NBA history to successfully erase a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven matchup.
This dramatic revival follows a remarkably similar feat achieved by the Philadelphia 76ers, who eliminated the Boston Celtics in identical circumstances just 24 hours earlier.
Momentum firmly shifted during Game 6 in Florida, where Detroit remarkably erased a 24-point disadvantage before carrying that dominance into Sunday’s home fixture.
The visiting Magic struggled immensely during the latter stages of the series, managing a paltry average of 18.8 points per quarter across the final six periods of basketball.
Star duos dictate the narrative
Cunningham and Harris entered the record books as the first Detroit teammates to score 30 points in a playoff tie since Bob Lanier and Howard Porter achieved the feat against the Golden State Warriors in 1977.
Conversely, Orlando relied almost entirely on Paolo Banchero, who valiantly poured in a game-high 38 points.
The talented forward became an isolated offensive weapon after German international Franz Wagner sustained a crucial injury in Game 4.
While Harris provided vital secondary scoring for the hosts, Desmond Bane was the only other visiting player to reach double figures during the crucial opening three quarters.
Pistons assert dominance to seal progression
All-Star center Jalen Duren also enjoyed a resurgent performance for the victorious side at Little Caesars Arena.
Having been outplayed by Wendell Carter Jr earlier in the series, the imposing big man registered his first double-double of the post-season with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
A devastating 11-2 run at the beginning of the third quarter ultimately put the game out of reach, extending the home advantage to a commanding 20 points.
A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Daniss Jenkins served as the final blow of the third period, ensuring the hosts cruised through a stress-free final quarter to spark wild celebrations in Detroit.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards could return from a knee injury as early as Game 3 of their second-round play-off series against the San Antonio Spurs.
The standout guard will miss the start of the match-up, but there is growing optimism regarding a swift recovery.
He suffered a bone bruise after hyperextending his left knee during Game 4 of the first round.
Despite managing ongoing right knee inflammation over the past month, the franchise cornerstone went through a light on-court workout on Saturday.
Aggressive rehabilitation process
He followed that session with another workout on Sunday and will travel with the squad to Texas.
A recent video released on his personal social media showed the American running on an underwater treadmill to accelerate healing.
“I think he can return sooner if he can hit all his metrics for pain management, mobility, functional strength.”
David Hines, the franchise’s vice-president of medical performance, suggested a general recovery timeline of one to two weeks.
Underdogs against formidable Spurs
The initial injury occurred on 25 April during an awkward block attempt against the Denver Nuggets.
Game 3 against the Spurs takes place this Friday night, which aligns perfectly with the earliest projections for his comeback.
Without their talisman, Minnesota still managed to eliminate the Nuggets at home in Game 6 to clinch the opening round.
However, they enter this second-round match-up as heavy underdogs against a dominant 62-win San Antonio side.
Joel Embiid has urged Philadelphia 76ers fans not to sell their upcoming playoff tickets to New York Knicks supporters to prevent an away takeover at the Wells Fargo Center.
The 30-year-old center issued the passionate plea following a historic first-round comeback victory against the Boston Celtics.
Philadelphia recovered from a 3-1 series deficit to set up a tantalising postseason rematch with their Eastern Conference rivals.
During their last encounter in 2024, travelling supporters flooded the arena, prompting deep frustration from the home locker room.
‘This is bigger than you’
The former NBA MVP wants to avoid a repeat of that six-game defeat, where the visiting crowd was overwhelmingly vocal.
Embiid delivered his message immediately after the Sixers won Game 7 in Massachusetts to advance in the tournament.
“I just have a message for our fans,” Embiid said. “Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like Philadelphia was Madison Square Garden East.”
“We’re gonna need the support. Don’t sell your tickets, this is bigger than you and we need you guys.”
An unprecedented comeback
Two years ago, Sixers ownership unsuccessfully attempted to block visiting buyers from acquiring seats for the decisive Game 6.
The Cameroonian big man was openly critical at the time, questioning the city’s reputation as a passionate sporting stronghold.
Now, the seven-time All-Star has even offered to financially compensate supporters who might be tempted to cash in on high secondary market prices.
“Knicks fans travel, they buy tickets,” he added. “There’s gonna be people who will sell the tickets because they need the money.”
“Don’t do it, we need you guys to be extremely loud. If you need money, I’ve got you.”
Embiid’s dominant return
The formidable talisman missed the first three games against Boston while recovering from an appendectomy.
However, he returned to average 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists across the final four must-win fixtures.
His 34-point, 12-rebound performance on Saturday night sealed the NBA’s 14th-ever successful comeback from a 3-1 disadvantage.
The 76ers had previously held an NBA-record 0-18 history when trailing by that margin, while Boston had been a flawless 32-0 when holding a similar lead.
This remarkable triumph also secured Philadelphia’s first playoff series victory over Boston since 1982, ending a miserable streak of six consecutive postseason eliminations against the franchise.
Joel Embiid delivered a masterclass as the Philadelphia 76ers completed a historic 3-1 series comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarter-final.
The victory at TD Garden makes Philadelphia just the 14th team in NBA history to overturn a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven series.
It also ends a 44-year hoodoo against their fiercest rivals, snapping a streak of six consecutive post-season series losses dating back to 1982.
Historic nights for Embiid and Maxey
The reigning league MVP showcased arguably the finest playoff performance of his career with 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
He was perfectly complemented by Tyrese Maxey, who contributed 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to the decisive victory.
The dynamic duo became the first teammates in NBA history to each record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a Game 7.
Prior to Saturday’s triumph, the Pennsylvania franchise held the unenviable record of going 0-18 when trailing 3-1 in a post-season matchup.
Tatum injury disrupts Boston plans
The dramatic showdown was heavily influenced hours before tip-off when Celtics star Jayson Tatum was ruled out with left knee stiffness.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla was forced to deploy an untested starting lineup containing Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr and Luka Garza.
“He just came in today with knee discomfort,” Mazzulla said prior to the game.
“We decided, the medical staff and myself, that he would not play.”
New York Knicks await in semi-finals
The makeshift Celtics lineup initially struggled as the visitors raced into an early lead, though the hosts fought back relentlessly throughout a tense second half.
A dominant 14-3 run in the third quarter built an 18-point cushion for the former champions, ultimately proving too steep a mountain for Boston to climb.
The defeat hands the Massachusetts franchise their first ever series loss after leading 3-1, dropping their historical record in that scenario to 32-1.
Philadelphia will now travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, starting on Monday night.
The Boston Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers this weekend as one of three decisive Eastern Conference Game 7s set to conclude a dramatic opening round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
The first round of the postseason has delivered thrilling finishes, upsets and historic comebacks.
For only the second time since the opening round expanded to a best-of-seven format in 2003, three separate series will go the distance.
All the win-or-go-home action takes place in the Eastern Conference.
The New York Knicks await the victor of the blockbuster clash between Boston and Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons play the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Toronto Raptors to determine the other conference semi-final matchup.
Sixers look to break Boston hoodoo
Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse appears to have found a winning formula against their fierce Atlantic Division rivals.
Former MVP Joel Embiid has successfully navigated double-teams to create high-quality opportunities for his team-mates.
Boston’s defence has consistently struggled to contain the blistering pace of Tyrese Maxey.
Furthermore, veteran forward Paul George is finally delivering the dominant performances expected since his lucrative arrival nearly two years ago.
The Sixers will desperately hope to conquer their historic struggles against the Massachusetts franchise.
Philadelphia have not defeated the Celtics in a postseason series since 1982.
Three-point reliance for Mazzulla’s men
Boston’s playoff success under head coach Joe Mazzulla remains heavily reliant on perimeter shooting.
The hosts boast an exceptional 17-1 postseason record when converting at least 40% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Conversely, that record drops to an even 19-19 when falling short of that crucial mark.
Boston must also establish control on the offensive glass to counter Philadelphia’s imposing frontcourt.
Starting centre Neemias Queta will be heavily scrutinised during the decisive encounter.
The Portuguese big man has struggled immensely against Embiid, despite enjoying a breakout regular season following the departures of Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
RJ Barrett hit a dramatic three-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime to secure a 112-110 victory for the Toronto Raptors over the Cleveland Cavaliers and force a deciding Game 7 in their Eastern Conference playoff series.
The Canadian forward’s late heroics rescued the hosts after they surrendered an 11-point fourth-quarter lead at Scotiabank Arena.
Evan Mobley had an opportunity to win the series for Cleveland, but the big man saw his final attempt bounce off the front of the rim as time expired.
The result preserves a unique streak in this bruising first-round matchup, with the home team emerging victorious in all six encounters so far.
Historic moment for Barrett
Barrett’s crucial intervention etched his name into the NBA history books.
He becomes the first player since 1998 to make a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of overtime to avoid playoff elimination.
The talented winger finished the night with 24 points, matching the impressive output of rookie teammate Ja’Kobe Walter.
Barnes orchestrates crucial victory
Scottie Barnes played a masterful role in directing the Toronto offense, recording 25 points alongside a game-high 14 assists.
The dynamic playmaker dominated the opening periods, joining an elite group of just eight players in the modern era to register 14 points and 10 assists in a single playoff half.
This vital offensive rhythm helped mask the absence of Brandon Ingram, who was sidelined with a sore right heel sustained earlier in the week.
Collin Murray-Boyles also provided valuable support, contributing 17 points to keep the Canadian franchise alive.
Cavaliers rue costly turnovers
Despite dominant individual performances, defensive lapses and sloppy possession ultimately doomed the visitors.
Mobley led the way for the Ohio franchise with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell added 24 points.
Veteran guard James Harden endured a difficult shooting night, making just five of his 14 attempts from the floor while committing four of his team’s 18 turnovers.
Toronto ruthlessly capitalised on these Cleveland mistakes, scoring 25 points off turnovers and dominating the fast-break battle.
Both teams will now travel back to Ohio for a decisive winner-takes-all showdown on Sunday.
Cade Cunningham scored 32 points on Friday night as the Detroit Pistons erased a 24-point deficit to beat the Orlando Magic 93-79 and force a decisive Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
The top-seeded visitors trailed 62-38 early in the third quarter before orchestrating a staggering second-half turnaround.
Orlando initially looked poised to become just the seventh eighth seed in NBA history to eliminate a number one seed in the opening round.
However, the hosts suffered a historic offensive collapse in front of a stunned home crowd at the Kia Center.
Historic shooting slump costs Magic
The Florida franchise missed 23 consecutive shots from the field during a devastating stretch of play.
Detroit capitalised with a ruthless 35-5 run that completely altered the trajectory of both the game and the post-season matchup.
Orlando shot an abysmal 11% from the field in the second half, converting just four of their 37 attempts.
According to league research, that represents the worst field-goal percentage by any team in a regular season or playoff half since play-by-play data tracking began in 1997.
Deciding showdown awaits in Detroit
Tobias Harris contributed 22 points for the resurgent Eastern Conference leaders, who will now host Sunday’s winner-takes-all clash.
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 17 points for a shell-shocked Magic side.
The eighth seeds are now winless in two closeout opportunities after failing to build upon a dominant 35-12 second quarter.
Home fans ultimately booed their team off the court as a premature, season-ending exit now looms large for Orlando.