The Toronto Raptors, featuring a revamped lineup, narrowly defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-121 despite nearly losing a 19-point lead during Monday’s NBA action. Pascal Siakam was the standout performer for the Raptors, scoring 36 points. Jakob Poeltl contributed significantly with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Raptors saw impressive performances from newcomers RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, who started the game. Barrett, a Toronto native, and Quickley, recently acquired from the Knicks in exchange for OG Anunoby, scored 19 and 14 points, respectively.
Barrett expressed his deep appreciation for playing his first home game in Toronto, describing it as a memorable and special experience.
“This was special,” Barrett said. “Way better than any other time I’ve played here. This was a special one that I’ll always appreciate.”
Other key contributions for the Raptors came from Scottie Barnes, who scored 20 points, and Dennis Schroder, who added 12 points off the bench. This victory was a strong comeback for Toronto after their recent loss to Detroit, which ended the Pistons’ significant losing streak. Raptors coach Darko Rajakoic praised the team’s play and the positive energy among the players.
“I think we played good basketball,” Rajakoic said. “Guys were enjoying playing a good brand of basketball and just cheering for each other.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors, Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Despite their loss, the Cavaliers saw strong performances from Caris LeVert, who scored 31 points, and Donovan Mitchell with 26 points. However, they have struggled recently, losing two of their last three games. Both Isaac Okoro and Jarrett Allen added 16 points each for Cleveland.
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed frustration over a missed traveling call against Siakam in the game’s final moments, believing it could have changed the game’s outcome.
“He travelled for sure,” Bickerstaff said. “There was no doubt about it. When you inbound the ball on the sideline after a timeout, you’re not allowed to move, and he clearly worked his way up the sideline. That’s a violation, the ball should have been ours with a chance to win the game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors, Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Cavaliers, already dealing with key injuries to Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, missed critical 3-point shots in the final minute, which could have turned the game around.
“I thought we got open looks,” Bickerstaff said. “We’ve just got to knock them down.”
Mitchell, who had the chance to reduce the deficit in the final seconds, expressed disappointment over a lane violation that cost them possession.
“That was tough,” MItchell said. “I didn’t agree, but it shouldn’t have come down to that.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Pascal Siakam, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors, Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Raptors managed to hold their ground, with Barnes making crucial free throws in the final seconds and intercepting a long inbounds pass from the Cavaliers, securing the win for Toronto.
The Raptors had earlier built a significant lead but saw the Cavaliers fight back, with Mitchell’s 3-pointer giving them a brief lead in the fourth quarter.
“We kind of put ourselves behind the eight-ball to start the game,” Mitchell said.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will be hosting the Washington Wizards, while the Raptors embark on a six-game trip in the Western Conference, starting with the Memphis Grizzlies.
