By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Toronto doesn’t give up and ties the series (2-2). The Raptors put together a sensational fourth quarter to prevent Cleveland from mounting a comeback at home.
In a chaotic ending, the team coached by Serbian Darko Rajakovic brought out their best defensive version to contain James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell.
Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes led the victory with 23 points each, being key in the final moments. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. In the loss, Donovan Mitchell had 20 points, and James Harden had 19.
German point guard Dennis Schröder scored 8 points and dished out 5 assists for the Cavaliers. Austrian center Jakob Poeltl scored 10 points in 21 minutes on the court. Georgian power forward Mamukelashvili grabbed 8 rebounds in the win.
After a horrible first half from beyond the arc by Toronto (3/20), the Raptors fought until just before halftime (38-36) against a Cavaliers team with clear ideas. With the score at 87-86 and less than 40 seconds left to play, the ending in Toronto was chaotic.
The home team took the lead with two free throws from Scottie Barnes (87-88). They managed to defend Harden and Mitchell well in the final possessions to secure another victory and tie the series at 2-2.