Cleveland, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers concluded their initial playoff series yesterday, Sunday, April 4, 2026, defeating the Toronto Raptors 114-102 in the seventh and final game. This result sees Cleveland move forward to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jarrett Allen was a central figure in the win, recording 22 points and securing 19 rebounds, matching his playoff career high in scoring. The Cavaliers, holding the fourth seed, are now slated to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Tuesday evening for the first game of the subsequent round.
Cleveland’s progression came after a contest where all seven games in the series were claimed by the home team. Donovan Mitchell also contributed 22 points for the Cavaliers, while James Harden added 18 points, with 11 of those originating from free throws. The Raptors' season ends, marking their record in Game 7 scenarios as 3-4 overall and 0-2 when playing on an opponent's court.
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Game Dynamics & Individual Figures
Jarrett Allen's effort proved pivotal. His output included 14 points and 10 rebounds within a crucial 15-minute stretch during the second and third quarters. This period saw the Cavaliers orchestrate a 49-21 run, transforming a nine-point deficit into a 19-point lead. Earlier, Allen had missed an initial wide-open dunk. Cleveland managed the first nine points of the second half, eventually claiming the third quarter 38-19.
For Toronto, Scottie Barnes presented a significant individual performance, registering 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and one block. He was arguably the Raptors' most effective player in the deciding game.
Other notable contributions for Cleveland included:
Evan Mobley with 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Sam Merrill also with 13 points.
Max Strus provided 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Jaylon Tyson added seven points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
Series Background
The journey to Game 7 for the Raptors was notably sealed by a last-second, 'bounce-aided' three-point shot from RJ Barrett in Game 6.
"When Barrett's shot hit the back rim and… It was very, very close to not counting. Sportingnews RJ Barrett's miraculous, bounce-aided 3-pointer sent the Toronto Raptors past the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night to force a Game 7 in their first round Eastern Conference series in the NBA playoffs." article
The full series unfolded as follows:
| Game | Result | Series Lead |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113 | Cavs lead series 1-0 |
| 2 | Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105 | Cavs lead series 2-0 |
| 3 | Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104 | Cavs lead series 2-1 |
| 4 | Raptors 93, Cavs 89 | Series tied 2-2 |
| 5 | Cavs 125, Raptors 120 | Cavs lead series 3-2 |
| 6 | Raptors 112, Cavaliers 110 | Series tied 3-3 |
| 7 | Cavaliers 114, Raptors 102 | Cavs win series 4-3 |
