Cleveland let the series get dangerous. Then Game 7 became a reminder of why the Cavaliers were still the heavier team.
The Cavs beat Toronto 114-102 at Rocket Arena, closing a series that had grown far more uncomfortable than Cleveland wanted. The Raptors had forced a seventh game with drama, belief and RJ Barrett’s late brilliance in Game 6, but the final night belonged to the Cavaliers’ size, depth and third-quarter punch.
Jarrett Allen was the difference physically: 22 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks.
@opencourtJarrett Allen was amazing in Game 7. he finished with 22 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. HE WAS EVERYWHERE 🔥🔥🔥♬ original sound – OpenCourt-Basketball
Donovan Mitchell added 22, James Harden controlled long stretches with 18 points and 13 free-throw attempts, and Cleveland’s balance finally broke the game open.
The turning point came after halftime. With the game tight, Cleveland won the third quarter 38-19, turning tension into separation. Toronto kept fighting through Scottie Barnes, who finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Barrett added 23. But the Raptors’ offense never found the clean rhythm it needed once Cleveland tightened the floor.
That is what Game 7 does. It strips away the noise and asks who can still execute when the series has no tomorrow. Toronto had made the Cavs sweat. Cleveland made sure it did not become a collapse.
