Big fourth quarter from Dennis Schroder gives Cavs 125-120 Game 3 win over Raptors

Apr 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliersguard Dennis Schroder (8) steals a ball from Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) during the first half of game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E.

Sokolowski-Imagn Images CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers fought back from a double-digit second-half deficit to regain control of the series. Eleven fourth-quarter points from Dennis Schroder and multiple clutch shots from Evan Mobley carried the Cavs to a 125-120 victory to take a 3-2 series lead over the Toronto Raptors . Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson decided to make a change with his starting lineup: Dean Wade was out, Max Strus was in.

The idea behind this move was to primarily juice an offense that couldn’t get anything going in either Game 3 or 4. This move didn’t produce instant results. The Cavs were outscored by nine points in the first five minutes with the starting lineup on the floor.

They weren’t physical defensively, and the insertion didn’t provide the offensive boost Atkinson was likely hoping for. Momentum changed after the initial subs came in. Dean Wade and Sam Merrill provided an immediate spark, but the real story was James Harden playing some of his best basketball since coming to Cleveland.