The Toronto Raptors held off the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89, tying the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday night.
Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 23 points each. RJ Barrett added 18 points, and Collin Murray-Boyles had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Barnes hit the go-ahead free throws in the final minute as Toronto won back-to-back postseason games for the first time since a first-round loss to Philadelphia in 2022.
On the other hand, Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, and Harden added 19, but the Cavaliers couldn’t overcome an 18-turnover performance.
Sam Merrill scored 14 points, and Jarrett Allen had 15 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were outscored 10-2 in the final 1:54 of the fourth.
Mitchell missed two shots in the final 25 seconds, including a 3-pointer that would have tied the game.
Barrett finished a layup to trim the lead to 87-86 with 49 seconds left in the fourth,
Mitchell couldn’t get the ball across half-court in time, giving possession to Toronto.
Barnes was fouled as he drove to the basket and made both, giving the Raptors an 88-87 lead with 34 seconds left.
Toronto missed 14 consecutive 3-point attempts to open the game before it connected with 8:31 left in the first half.
Unfortunately for the Cavs, Harden had more turnovers (six) than made baskets (four) in the opening half, while Mitchell shot 3 for 15 through three quarters.
The best-of-seven series shifts to Cleveland for Game 5 on Wednesday.
