The Toronto Raptors responded with urgency in Game 3, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto ended a 12-game postseason losing streak against Cleveland and trimmed the Eastern Conference first-round series deficit to 2-1.
Scottie Barnes led the way with 33 points and 11 assists, both career playoff highs, while RJ Barrett matched him with 33 points on 12-for-19 shooting.
The Raptors controlled the game late, turning a two-point lead entering the fourth quarter into a blowout behind elite perimeter shooting.
Toronto shot 8-for-9 from beyond the arc in the final period and outscored Cleveland 43-23, using spacing and ball movement to break the game open.
Jamison Battle scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter and went 4-for-4 from three-point range during that stretch.
Barnes anchored the offense throughout, finishing 11-for-17 from the field while adding five rebounds and committing just one turnover.
Barrett added efficient scoring from the wing, knocking down 6-of-8 attempts from deep and contributing five assists.
Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles provided interior production with 22 points on 11-for-15 shooting, becoming the first Raptors rookie to score 20 or more in a playoff game.
Toronto’s defense also shifted the game, forcing 22 turnovers that led to 23 points and disrupting Cleveland’s half-court rhythm.
The Cavaliers struggled to generate consistent offense, shooting 44% from the field and 31% from three-point range.
James Harden led Cleveland with 18 points but shot 5-for-13 overall and 3-for-10 from beyond the arc while committing eight turnovers.
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus each scored 15 points, but the trio combined to shoot 12-for-39 from the field and 2-for-11 from deep.
Jarrett Allen added 12 points and Jaylon Tyson contributed 13 off the bench, but Cleveland could not match Toronto’s fourth-quarter execution.
The Cavaliers had entered the game tied for the longest playoff winning streak against a single opponent, dating back to 2016, but failed to extend it.
Game 4 is set for Sunday afternoon in Toronto, where the Raptors will look to even the series.
