Full Breakdown
Raptors Stave Off Collapse, Tie Series with Cavs in Game 4
4/28/2026, 5:38:15 AM
Game 4 Overview
On Sunday, April 26 2026, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 at Scotiabank Arena, evening the first-round series at 2-2. Toronto shot 4-for-30 (13.3 %) from three-point range—the lowest three-point percentage in a playoff win since the NBA-ABA merger. The Cavs made 10-for-40 (25 %) from deep but committed 18 turnovers and allowed 21 offensive rebounds, including four in the final five minutes.
Series Background
Cleveland entered the game with a 2-0 lead after winning both home games, but the Raptors rallied in Games 3 and 4 on the road to force a best-of-three scenario. Home-court advantage now rests with Cleveland for Game 5 on Wednesday.
Key Players & Performances
- Toronto: Scottie Barnes (23 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast, 3 blk) hit both decisive free throws in the final 35 seconds; Brandon Ingram (23 pts) and RJ Barrett (18 pts, 8 reb) supplied the bulk of scoring; rookie Collin Murray-Boyles posted a double-double (15 pts, 10 reb).
- Cleveland: Donovan Mitchell (20 pts, 6-of-24 shooting, 4-of-12 from three) scored 12 of his points in the fourth quarter; James Harden contributed 19 pts and eight assists but turned the ball over seven times; Jarrett Allen grabbed a team-high 15 reb, while Evan Mobley added 8 pts and 9 reb.
Data & Statistics
- Shooting: Raptors 31-of-97 (32 %) overall; Cavs 33-of-87 (38 %).
- Three-point shooting: Combined 20 % (7-of-35), the fourth-lowest combined three-point percentage in a playoff game since 2014.
- Turnovers: Cleveland 18, Toronto 12.
- Rebounds: Toronto secured 21 offensive boards; Cleveland allowed 21 second-chance points.
Official Statements & Responses
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the offensive struggles, noting “we had trouble scoring all game, but so did they,” while praising the team’s effort: “we fought like crazy.” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized resilience, stating the squad “just never flinched.”
After the loss, Donovan Mitchell said the Cavs “are a different team, so I can’t put last year’s struggles on this,” adding that the missed shots “shouldn’t happen.” James Harden expressed confidence in the roster’s direction, saying “we’re definitely confident about where we are.”
Criticism & Opposition
Media commentary has repeatedly labeled the Cavaliers as “soft” and “fragile,” citing their inability to close games despite a high-paid roster. Harden’s postseason reputation was highlighted, with former guard Joe Johnson remarking that “they scrutinize James because they know the situations he’s been in the past during the postseason.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just couldn’t hit (expletive),” — Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
- “We just never, never flinched,” — Darko Rajakovic, head coach, Toronto Raptors
- “I made a mistake in a crucial moment,” — Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
- “We’re just trying to go out there and win, take it one possession at a time,” — Scottie Barnes, forward, Toronto Raptors
- “I expect more from Scottie. Scottie’s gonna bring more. Scottie right now, the way he’s playing, he’s at 60 percent of the player that he’s gonna be in two, three years.” — Darko Rajakovic, head coach, Toronto Raptors
What’s Next
Game 5 shifts to Cleveland on Wednesday. The Cavs must curb turnovers and improve late-game execution, while the Raptors aim to sustain their defensive intensity and capitalize on Toronto’s home-court advantage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the final score, shooting percentages, and key statistics; no substantive discrepancies were identified. The primary gap remains a detailed breakdown of individual defensive assignments, which has not been publicly disclosed.
