Donovan Mitchell scored 21 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their dominant run, defeating the Toronto Raptors 131-108 on Wednesday night for their fourth consecutive victory and eighth in the last nine games.
The game ended with high tensions after Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson threw down a dunk in the final seconds. Toronto’s Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead confronted Thompson at center court, exchanging words as the buzzer sounded.
De’Andre Hunter contributed 18 points for Cleveland, Sam Merrill scored 16, and Darius Garland added 15. Jarrett Allen posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Evan Mobley chipped in 12 and 15 boards.
The Cavaliers took full control in the third quarter, extending their lead to a game-high 39 points when Hunter buried a three-pointer with 5:19 left in the period, making it 95-56.
RJ Barrett returned from a four-game absence due to concussion protocol, leading Toronto with 27 points. Barnes recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds, but the Raptors continued their struggles, losing for the fifth time in their last six outings.
Takeaways
Cavaliers: Cleveland completed a dominant four-game season sweep over Toronto, winning three of those matchups by double digits. The Cavaliers outscored the Raptors by a combined 73 points across the four meetings.
Raptors: Toronto trailed 68-43 at halftime, marking its largest halftime deficit of the season.
Key Moment
Max Strus ignited Cleveland’s early dominance, scoring nine of his 14 points during a commanding 23-4 run in the first quarter. By the end of the opening period, the Cavaliers were in complete control, leading 41-17.
Key Stat
Cleveland improved its road record to 19-6, second only to the Boston Celtics (22-6) for the best away record in the NBA.
Up Next
Cleveland will return from the All-Star break with a road game against Brooklyn on February 20, while Toronto will host Miami on February 21.
