Raptors Make Statement, Cruise to Game 3 Win in 4th Quarter vs. Cavaliers

Led by massive offensive performances from RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, the Toronto Raptors pulled away in the final frame to cut their series deficit against Cleveland in half.

Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Raptors are feeling good after a 126-104 win in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night inside Scotiabank Arena.

The Raptors and Cavaliers went back and forth for three quarters with Toronto up by two points going into the final frame. However, the Raptors put the foot on the gas in the fourth quarter and took over the game, building a massive lead that they used to cruise to victory.

RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes each had 33 points en route to a massive offensive performance, cutting their deficit in the series in half.

Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Barrett, Barnes Dominate

In a must-win Game 3 at Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors’ star duo reached new heights to prevent a 0-3 series hole. Barnes delivered a masterful all-around performance, recording a career playoff-high 33 points to go along with 11 assists and five rebounds.

Not to be outdone, Barrett also posted a career playoff-high 33 points, highlighted by an efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance from beyond the arc.

Together, they combined for 66 points, spearheading an offense that finally broke through Cleveland’s elite defense.

CMB Steps Up

Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles made Raptors history on Thursday night, proving he belongs on the playoff stage.

Coming off the bench, Murray-Boyles provided a massive spark with 22 points and eight rebounds, becoming the first rookie in franchise history to score 20 or more points in a postseason game.

His energy in the paint and ability to finish through contact gave Toronto a secondary scoring option that Cleveland struggled to contain, effectively outplaying the Cavaliers' veteran reserve unit.

Lineup Changes Pay Off

Facing a 0-2 deficit, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s adjustments proved decisive in shifting the series momentum. With Immanuel Quickley sidelined for a third straight game due to a hamstring strain, the Raptors leaned into a more versatile frontcourt rotation that featured increased minutes for Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The tactical shift helped Toronto dominate the glass and create better spacing, which was evident in the fourth quarter when they outscored Cleveland 43-23. The adjustment also freed up Jamison Battle, who capitalized on the new looks to score all 14 of his points in the final frame, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from deep.

The Raptors also swapped out Jamal Shead in the starting lineup for Ja'Kobe Walter and it paid off. Shead was a +12 for the Raptors in the second unit while Walter was a +6 in the starting lineup. The Raptors should keep this adjustment for the rest of the series.

What's Next For Raptors?

The Raptors will look to even the series in Game 4 when the two teams line up on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Scotiabank Arena.

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