Cavs Take 126-113 Decision in Game 1 of the First Round Series

*** The first three times the Raptors saw the Cavaliers earlier this season – all Toronto victories – Cleveland was still without Max Strus and James Harden was still a Clipper. On Saturday afternoon, as both squads tipped off the 2026 NBA playoffs, they got an up-close and personal look at the late-season additions. 

Harden and Strus combined for 46 points and Donovan Mitchell did what he does to start every playoff series, as the Cavs got some separation just before half and cruised past the Raptors after intermission, taking the 126-113 decision in Game 1 of their First Round series on Saturday afternoon at Rocket Arena.

Neither team led by more than five points through the first 20 minutes of the game, but Cleveland went on a 17-9 just before half – capped by Strus’ three-pointer with 25 seconds to play in in the second quarter to open things up. 

The Cavaliers started the second half on a 21-6 run and Toronto didn’t get to within single-digits the rest of the way as Cleveland won its 11^th straight playoff game against the Raptors dating back to 2016. 

“It was nip-and-tuck and back-and-forth, there (in the first half),” said Kenny Atkinson. “We just kept saying in timeouts: stick with it, we’re gonna get that separation. We needed that separation for our confidence going into halftime. If you go (into half) down four or down six, it’s a harder conversation with the players to trust what we’re doing. So that helped push the conversation forward when we went in at halftime.”

Mitchell topped the 30-point mark in his ninth straight series opener – an NBA record – leading both squads with 32 points on 11-for-20 shooting, including 4-of-7 from long-range and 6-of-7 from the stripe, adding four assists and a pair of steals in the lopsided victory. 

Cleveland’s seven-time All-Star set the tone in the game – and the series – in Game 1, getting downhill and doing most of his damage in the paint. 

“I don’t know if guys noticed, but the past three or four games before this, that’s all I’ve been doing,” explained Mitchell. “Even if we didn’t play these guys, just the mentality of getting downhill and putting your body in there, and being in shape, knowing that the three-ball is going to be there. I feel like I can shoot over anybody. But trying to make a point – not just to score – but to hit Sam in the corner and to continue to put pressure on teams. And that’s where I feel like I thrive, making the defense have to react to that.”

Harden, who led Cleveland in assists in 19 of the 26 regular season games that he played as a Cavalier, orchestrated the action again on Saturday – handing out a game-high 10 assists to go with 22 points on 6-for-17 shooting, also going 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and snagging a pair of steals of his own. 

“I think both teams just get a feel for the atmosphere in Game 1, the details on what both teams are trying to do on both ends of the ball,” said Harden. “And whoever’s most successful usually comes out with the victory. And I think tonight, we did that. We’ll watch film and get better. They’ll make adjustments, we’ll make adjustments. And we’ll be prepared.”

Strus was a force off the bench, leading all reserves with 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from deep and 4-of-4 from the line in just under 24 minutes of work. 

Evan Mobley chipped in with 17 points, seven boards and four assists, going 6-of-9 from the floor. Jarrett Allen scored six of his 10 points in the opening quarter, adding seven rebounds and a steal to round out the Cavaliers in double-figures. 

Before the game, Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the importance of penetrating the paint and limiting Toronto – the league-leader in fast break scoring – in Game 1. And on Saturday afternoon, the Cavs outscored the Raptors, 52-36, in the paint and limited them to just three points in transition. 

Overall, the Cavaliers shot 55 percent from the floor and an even 50 percent from beyond the arc while outrebounding the Raptors, 33-27, 

RJ Barrett led Toronto with 24 points and Scottie Barnes added 21 for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram finished with 17 points, but was limited to just a single field goal attempt after intermission. 

*** Both squads face off for Game 2 on Monday night at Rocket Arena before the series shifts to Toronto for Games 3 and 4 – on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon, respectively. If necessary, Game 5 takes place back in Cleveland the following Wednesday. Game 6 would take place that Friday above the border and Game 7, back at the corner of Huron and Ontario.