Brandon Ingram guided his team by recording his best mark this season (37 points) and the Toronto Raptors held firm at the end of the match to maintain control and secure an eighth consecutive victory, 110-99!
And make it eight for the Raptors! Carried by Brandon Ingram and as incisive as ever on both ends of the floor, the Canadians gave the Cleveland Cavaliers a hard time who ended up cracking a first time just before the break, then in a one-way final to win 110-99 and maintain pace on the Eastern Conference podium!
Cleveland had managed to take the upper hand in the first act with a 9-2 run to which Sandro Mamukelashvili responded with two three-point arrows to equalise at 23-23. The Mitchell-Mobley duo responded, with outside success for Evan Mobley, who then handed over to Nae'Qwan Tomlin for two more three-pointers to put the Cavs at +8 (42-50).
In less than three minutes, Toronto took back control by going on a 15-2 run to finish the first half, a series initiated by three baskets from Immanuel Quickley and concluded by the inevitable Brandon Ingram (57-54). The latter took the match into his own hands after the break by displaying his attacking skills to score 15 points, between his two three-pointers, his dunk after a cutting drive or a 2+1 to gradually make Cleveland buckle. With the help of an inspired Jamal Shead, it was again him who completed an 8-0 run to allow the Canadians to make the difference (88-74).
Cleveland fight back but Raptors hold firm
Kenny Atkinson's men did not take long to correct course, however, carried by a Donovan Mitchell on a mission. After relays from Chris Livingston then Thomas Bryant from three-point range, it was Donovan Mitchell who applied pressure by silencing Scotiabank Arena on two consecutive three-pointers to bring the gap back to -4 (103-99). Toronto did not waver, with a three-pointer from Brandon Ingram in response, then a decisive defensive stop from Scottie Barnes against Evan Mobley. Enough to maintain momentum in the Raptors' favour, who went back to +11 thanks to two free throws from Jamal Shead and a final basket from Scottie Barnes after Jaylon Tyson's block on Brandon Ingram.
The essentials are there with an eighth consecutive victory for Toronto who continue to stay on the Pistons' heels (110-99).
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell
Key takeaways
Toronto hang on. Talent is not enough in the NBA, and the Raptors display that extra soul that makes the difference since the start of the season. And in the same way Erik Spoelstra did this weekend, Darko Rajakovic must savour his achievement after a month of competition, because nobody would have imagined these Raptors sitting in second place in the conference with an ongoing eight-win streak. Miami and Toronto also share their toughness, an essential quality to succeed in the East.
Cleveland know their bogey team. And make it three! Cleveland and Toronto have already crossed swords three times this season, and it is the Raptors who have won on all three occasions against last season's best Eastern team! For the first time, the two teams met in Toronto, and it was once again Darko Rajakovic's men who had the last word.
Brandon Ingram in "mini KD" mode. The Brandon Ingram we love to see, who does not force his game but shines through the extent of his offensive repertoire. 37 points, his season high, with a nice 5/11 from distance (also his season high) and a constant reference point for the Raptors' attack throughout the match, like his decisive basket when Cleveland came back to -4.
Raptors' end-game composure. Cleveland tried hard to apply pressure in the final stages by managing to come back within two possessions when Donovan Mitchell hit consecutive three-pointers. But even though Toronto have one of the youngest rosters in the league, the hosts perfectly managed their business, with first the franchise player three-pointer from Brandon Ingram, then two defensive sequences that derailed Cleveland for good.
This article was originally published on Basket USA.
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