The Raptors dominated late, outscoring Cleveland by 20+ in the fourth quarter to take Game 3, 126–104, behind massive nights from Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett
🏀 Game Flow Summary
The game was tight for three quarters — tied at halftime (54–54) and Toronto up just 83–81 entering the fourth. Then the Raptors detonated: a 43–23 fourth quarter that completely flipped the game.
🔥 Why Toronto Took Over
Relentless Defensive Pressure
Toronto rediscovered its defensive identity — ball pressure, switching, and forcing turnovers.
Cleveland committed 20 turnovers, including 9 in the first quarter.
Jamal Shead and Collin Murray‑Boyles were inserted early to increase defensive intensity and mobility.
Fourth-Quarter Shotmaking Explosion
Toronto hit six straight threes in the fourth and shot 61% from deep (14–23) overall.
RJ Barrett and Jamison Battle were especially lethal from outside.
Cleveland’s Collapse
The Cavs’ offense stalled completely in the fourth. They folded, unable to buy a bucket or slow Toronto’s momentum
Turnovers and poor shot creation from the backcourt doomed them.
⭐ Standout Performers
Scottie Barnes — 33 pts, 11 ast, 5 reb
A dominant two‑way performance
Controlled the game as a playmaker and defender
Hit a buzzer‑beater to end Q3, giving Toronto momentum entering the fourth
RJ Barrett — 33 pts, 6-8 from three
Barrett delivered a postseason career high
Multiple dagger threes in the fourth
Constant pressure on the rim and in transition
Collin Murray‑Boyles — 22 pts (Raptors playoff rookie record)
Hyper‑efficient (11–15 FG)
Huge energy boost off the bench
Highlight‑reel block on Jarrett Allen
Jamison Battle — 14 pts, 4–4 from three (all in Q4)
Perfect shooting night
Helped blow the game open with timely threes
Now 10‑for‑10 from deep vs. Cleveland this season
Cleveland’s Key Issues
19+ turnovers by mid‑fourth quarter killed their rhythm.
Backcourt (Harden/Mitchell) couldn’t generate consistent offense under Toronto’s pressure.
This is now the second game this series that Cleveland has struggled in the fourth quarter. They really need to tighten this up
📌 Bottom Line
Game 3 was decided by defensive disruption and a historic shooting surge from Toronto. After three competitive quarters, the Raptors overwhelmed Cleveland with pace, pressure, and perimeter shotmaking. Series has slightly shifted — Toronto now has momentum and a chance to tie things up in Game 4.