Toronto Raptors thrash Cleveland Cavaliers as Barrett and Barnes score 33
RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes both scored career playoff highs of 33 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 to halve their first-round series deficit.
Cleveland still lead the best-of-seven tie 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Toronto.
The Canadian franchise produced their best performance of the postseason, pulling away from a halftime tie with a dominant 43-23 fourth quarter.
Record-breaking rookie aids historic duo
Toronto-born Barrett and his fellow forward Barnes became just the third Raptors pairing to each register 30 points in a single playoff game.
They join legendary franchise duos Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, as well as Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, in achieving the prestigious feat.
“A night like tonight was good to build some confidence and just show that we’re here,” Barrett said.
“When we play like how we did today, everybody together, everybody’s playing hard, locked in on the game plan, we can make some noise.”
The hosts were heavily bolstered by a sensational shooting display, hitting 61% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Off the bench, Collin Murray-Boyles set a team rookie record with 22 points, while Jamison Battle sunk four three-pointers in his series debut.
Defensive discipline stifles Cavaliers stars
At the other end of the court, Toronto completely nullified Cleveland’s formidable attacking trio.
Donovan Mitchell was restricted to just 15 points, whilst James Harden managed 18 points alongside eight costly turnovers.
Evan Mobley was similarly contained, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic praised his team’s defensive structure, singling out Barnes for his relentless defensive shifts against both Harden and Mitchell.
“He did everything for us tonight,” Rajakovic noted.
The 23-year-old All-Star also contributed 11 assists and five rebounds in a magnificent all-around display.
“Those guys are really talented scorers. You just got to try to be physical, show bodies and try to play super hard,” Barnes explained.
