The Toronto Raptors’ NBA playoff journey came to an end as they were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of their first-round series, with Jarrett Allen shining with a double-double of 22 points and 19 rebounds in a 114-102 victory.
Next, the Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Detroit Pistons in Game 1 of their second-round series after Detroit secured a 116-94 win over the Orlando Magic in their Game 7 matchup.
Despite a strong performance by Scottie Barnes, who contributed 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, the Raptors faced challenges in Cleveland, where they have now lost all 11 postseason games. All-star forward Brandon Ingram missed the game due to right-heel inflammation, joining Immanuel Quickley on the bench, who was out for the entire series with a right hamstring strain.
The closely contested series saw both teams scoring 718 points each before the deciding match. Toronto struggled in the third quarter, allowing the Cavaliers to take control with an 11-1 run and a dominant 38-19 period, ultimately leading to a 19-point deficit for the Raptors going into the final quarter.
Jarrett Allen’s exceptional performance, including a third-quarter double-double, played a significant role in Cleveland’s victory, outrebounding Toronto 22-8 in the period. Despite a late surge by Toronto in the fourth quarter, it was not enough to overcome the gap created by Cleveland’s third-quarter dominance.
Raptors fans showed their support at a watch-along event in Toronto, witnessing the team’s playoff journey come to an end.
This game marked the end of the Raptors’ playoff run, with the Cavaliers advancing to the next round to face the Pistons.