Cavs cage Raptors in Game 1, take 1-0 series lead with 126-113 win

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon on the strength of a strong third quarter.

They controlled the pace of the game and executed at a high level in the half-court thanks to superstar performances from their guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. This added up to a stress-free 126-113 victory. The Raptors had a strong start.

Three quick triples from Scottie Barnes allowed the Raptors to grab a five-point lead by the tail end of the opening quarter. The Cavs responded with seven-straight baskets to close the first, which included five points in the final 26 seconds from Max Strus to give Cleveland a four-point advantage at the end of the first. Toronto responded well at the start of the second.

They kept the Cavs from pulling away by continuing to execute their game plan on both ends, but they once again weren’t able to close the quarter well. Harden controlled the tempo of the game while making sure the Cavs got a good shot on every possession. That was seen most clearly at the end of the second quarter when the Cavs stretched what was a two-point lead to a 10-point advantage near the end of the second.