CLEVELAND \u2014 The Cleveland Cavaliers have eliminated the Toronto Raptors from the 2026 playoffs, with a 114-102 win in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup.<\/p>\n
It brings an end to the Raptors’ first postseason run since 2022. Toronto came into the series as the fifth seed after a 46-win season, and also as underdogs versus the more experienced Cavaliers.<\/p>\n
After huffing and puffing with all their might to force a Game 7 after trailing the series 2-0, the Raptors couldn’t blow down the fortress that Rocket Arena has proven to be for the Cavs. The home team won every game in the series, and Cleveland is now 11-0 against Toronto at home in playoff history, as they advance to face the top seeded Detroit Pistons in the conference semifinals.<\/p>\n
It was a valiant seven-game effort from a very young Raptors team led by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, but the absence of Immanuel Quickley for the entire series and Brandon Ingram for the final two games clearly showed as Game 7 wore on.<\/p>\n
Barnes finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists, but was plagued by foul trouble in the second half. He was called for his fourth foul just five minutes into the third quarter, forcing him out of the game as the Raps trailed 60-54 after which the Cavs went on a 12-5 run. Barnes then returned to stop the bleeding but was called for his fifth foul with just under two minutes remaining in the third.<\/p>\n
The Cavs then went on to lead by as many as 22 and never looked back. Jarrett Allen was immense for Cleveland, dominating inside to the tune of 22 points and 19 rebounds. He also had a very hard foul on Ja’Kobe Walter late in the game, which led to a bit of a scuffle and was ultimately ruled a Flagrant 1.<\/p>\n