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Cavaliers Beat Raptors 115-105, Take Series Lead

4/21/2026

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Summary

Cavaliers Dominate Raptors

In Game 1 of the Cavaliers–Raptors playoff series, Cleveland defeated Toronto 115-105 to take an early series lead.
James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers posted 28 points and five steals.
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers scored 25 points on 84.6 percent shooting, and Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers added 30.
The series shifts to Toronto for Game 2.

Summary

LeBron Leads Lakers

LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1.
James recorded eight assists in the first quarter and finished with 19 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Lakers coach JJ Redick urged better ball security and rebounding after 18 turnovers, which Houston converted into 24 points.
Luke Kennard added a playoff career-high 27 points, shooting 5-for-5 from three-point range.

History

Historical Context

The Chicago Bulls dominated the NBA in the 1990s, winning six championships from 1991 to 1998, including their fifth title in 1997 against the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan, who averaged 29.5 points per game in the playoffs, was pivotal in this success. Today, rivalries like those between the Cavaliers and Lakers highlight the league's evolution and the lasting impact of star players on playoff narratives.

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Cavaliers Dominate Raptors

In Game 1 of the Cavaliers–Raptors playoff series, Cleveland defeated Toronto 115-105 to take an early series lead.
James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers posted 28 points and five steals.
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers scored 25 points on 84.6 percent shooting, and Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers added 30.
The series shifts to Toronto for Game 2.

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