Full Breakdown
Raptors Tie Series with 93-89 Victory Over Cavaliers in Game 4
4/28/2026, 1:18:22 AM
Game 4 Recap: Raptors Edge Cavaliers 93-89 to Even Series
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 at Scotiabank Arena, tying the Eastern Conference first-round series at 2-2. Toronto surged in the final 2 minutes 30 seconds, closing on an 11-2 run that secured the win. The victory snapped a 12-game playoff losing streak against Cleveland.
Background & Context: Cavs’ Playoff Supremacy Over Raptors
Before this game, Cleveland held a 12-game postseason winning streak over Toronto, dating back to the 2016 Eastern Conference finals. The Cavaliers also swept the Raptors in the second round of both the 2017 and 2018 playoffs. The series had therefore been dominated by Cleveland, making the Raptors’ win a notable shift.
Key Performers
Toronto’s Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each recorded career-playoff highs of 33 points; Barnes added 11 assists. Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 22 points and eight rebounds, while Jamison Battle scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, hitting 4-of-4 from three. Brandon Ingram managed 12 points amid a shooting slump, and point guard Immanuel Quickley missed the remainder of the series with a hamstring injury. For Cleveland, James Harden led with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists; Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus each posted 15 points. Jaylon Tyson added 13 points and Jarrett Allen 12.
Data & Statistics
Toronto shot 57 % from the field and 60 % (14-of-23) from three-point range, outpacing Cleveland’s 44 % field-goal and 31 % three-point shooting. The Raptors recorded 29 assists to Cleveland’s 23 and forced 22 turnovers, converting those miscues into 23 points. Cleveland outrebounded Toronto 42-35, including 16 offensive boards, but committed 22 turnovers. The final quarter saw Toronto outscore Cleveland 43-23.
Official Statements & Responses
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson noted that Toronto’s defense forced his team to work harder than usual. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted Barnes’ all-court impact and the collective effort required for the win. Both coaches emphasized the importance of execution in the closing minutes.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts pointed to Cleveland’s poor shot selection and a high turnover rate in the fourth quarter as primary factors in the loss. The team’s reliance on the Harden-Mitchell backcourt was questioned after both players combined for only 4-of-17 from three.
On-the-Ground Reports
FOX 8 commentator John Sabol observed that the Raptors “out-executed the Cavaliers down the stretch” and that “too many turnovers and bad shot selection” contributed to Cleveland’s defeat.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Pre-game coverage in several sources described the series as 2-1 in Cleveland’s favor, while post-game reports confirm the series was tied 2-2 after Game 4. No source provided detailed defensive metrics for individual players beyond scoring totals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will respond,” — James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers guard
- “We knew we needed everybody for this win and you've seen some big performances from everybody,” — Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors forward
- “He did everything for us tonight,” — Darko Rajakovic, Toronto Raptors head coach
- “They did a heck of a job,” — Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach
- “Raptors outplayed and out executed the Cavaliers down the stretch. Too many turnovers and bad shot selection by Cleveland. Cavs deserved to lose.” — John Sabol, FOX 8 Sports commentator
Viewing Options
The game aired live on ESPN and TSN. Free-trial streaming was available through DIRECTV, FuboTV, Sling TV and the ESPN app, with various pricing tiers listed by each provider.
What’s Next
Game 5 returns to Cleveland on Wednesday, April 29, at 1 p.m. ET. The winner will take a 3-2 series lead and move within one victory of advancing to the conference semifinals.
