In Game 5 of the first-round playoff series, the Toronto Raptors appeared to be the dominant team for the majority of the match. However, in a twist that has characterized this series, the Cleveland Cavaliers surged back in the fourth quarter to secure a 125-120 victory, thereby taking a commanding 3-2 lead in the series. The home team has yet to lose a game in this matchup, placing immense pressure on the Raptors as they prepare to host Game 6 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Friday night. A win is crucial for the Raptors to avoid elimination, and should they be successful, a decisive Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday in Cleveland.
The Raptors face potential challenges in their next game as they may be without their leading scorer, Brandon Ingram. Ingram exited Game 5 early in the second quarter due to inflammation in his right heel, a recurring issue that had previously sidelined him for three games during the regular season's final weeks. He will undergo re-evaluation in Toronto on Thursday. Ingram has had difficulty finding his scoring rhythm during this series, averaging only 14.8 points per game on 33.9 percent shooting prior to the fifth game. In Game 5, he recorded just one point and went 0-of-2 from the field in 11 minutes of play, although he contributed a couple of assists before his departure.
Despite Ingram's struggle, the Raptors exhibited a strong performance in the first three quarters of the game. Ja'Kobe Walter played a crucial role, scoring 17 first-half points, including five three-pointers, which helped Toronto take a 74-67 lead into halftime. Scottie Barnes stood out on both ends of the court, finishing with 17 points, 11 assists, and three blocks. RJ Barrett added to the Raptors' efforts with 25 points and 12 rebounds, and even Jakob Poeltl, who had been largely ineffective throughout the series, came to life with 14 points and nine rebounds, marking his best outing of this series.
The Raptors managed to maintain a slight advantage, leading by three points at the end of the third quarter. However, this lead felt diminished compared to the 12-point margin they had held earlier in the frame. As the game progressed, the fatigue of the Raptors began to show, with the team missing key players including starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, who has been absent for the entire series due to a hamstring strain. In the fourth quarter, the Raptors' offensive efficiency faltered dramatically; they converted just 7-of-29 shots and sank only 2-of-13 three-pointers, in stark contrast to their strong performance earlier when they shot 55 percent overall and made 13-of-26 three-pointers before the final quarter.
The Cavaliers capitalized on the Raptors' struggles, with crucial contributions from their star players. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, who faced difficulties in Games 3 and 4, combined for 42 points, helping to shift momentum in Cleveland's favor. Evan Mobley, who had been inconsistent earlier, bounced back with an impressive performance, scoring 23 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking three shots, including two three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Additionally, former Raptor Dennis Schroeder emerged as a pivotal factor in the game's outcome, scoring 19 points—11 of which came during the final period, showcasing his effectiveness down the stretch.
