The Raptors are enjoying a roller coaster ride against Cleveland!

And eight for the Raptors! Led by Brandon Ingram and as determined as ever on both ends of the floor, the Canadians made life difficult for the Cavaliers, who trailed for the first time just before the break, then won 110-99 in a one-sided final to keep pace on the podium. Eastern Conference !

Cleveland was able to win the first act 9-2, which Sandro Mamukelaashvili countered with two three-pointers to tie the game at 23-23. The Mitchell-Mobley duo responded, with an outside success for Evan Mobley, who then passed the baton to Nae’Quan Tomlin for two more 3-point baskets to bring the Cavs to +8 (42-50).

In less than three minutes, Toronto regained control with a 15-2 run to end the first half, a run that started with a three-pointer by Immanuel Quickley and ended with the inevitable Brandon Ingram (57-54). The latter took the match into his own hands after returning from the locker room showing his offensive skills and scored 15 points, between his two baskets behind the arc, a dunk after a sharp drive or even 2+1 to gradually bend Cleveland. With the help of an inspired Jamal Sheed, it was again he who scored 8-0 and allowed the Canadians to make the difference (88-74).

Kenny Atkinson’s men, however, quickly put things right, led by Donovan Mitchell on a mission. After a 3-point relay from Chris Livingston and Thomas Bryant, it was Donovan Mitchell who applied the pressure, calming down Scotiabank Arena with two 3-pointers in quick succession to cut the deficit to -4 (103-99). Toronto didn’t flinch, with Brandon Ingram’s three-pointer in response, then Scotty Barnes’ resolute defense against Evan Mobley. Enough to keep the momentum going in favor of the Raptors, who got back to +11 thanks to Jamal Sheed’s two layups and Scotty Barnes’ last basket after Jaylon Tyson’s counter on Brandon Ingram.

The crux is there with Toronto’s eighth straight win as they continue to hold off the Pistons’ Basquiat (110-99).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Toronto is holding on. Talent is not enough in the NBA, and the Raptors have shown that extra soul that has made the difference since the start of the season. And just like Erik Spoelstra did this weekend, Darko Rajakovic must be enjoying his success after a month of competition, because no one would have imagined these Raptors would be in second place in the conference with their current eight-game winning streak. Miami and Toronto also share their toughness, an essential quality for success in the East.

Cleveland knows his pet peeve. And three! Cleveland and Toronto have already crossed spears three times this season, and it was the Raptors who beat the best team in the East three times last season! The two teams met for the first time in Toronto, and Darko Rajaković’s men had the last word again.

Brandon Ingram and the fashion “mini KD”. The Brandon Ingram we love to see, who doesn’t push his game, but shines with the breadth of his offensive range. 37 points, his season high, with a nice 5/11 from long range (his record this season as well) and a constant benchmark for the Raptors’ offense throughout the game, like his decisive basket when Cleveland got back to -4.

Game over for the Raptors. Cleveland tried to get the pressure back in the finals by getting back to within two possessions when Donovan Mitchell made two 3-pointers. But even if Toronto has one of the youngest teams in the league, the home team knew how to manage their move perfectly, first with a 3-pointer by “franchise player” Brandon Ingram, then two defensive sequences that derailed Cleveland forever.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.