Full Breakdown
Raptors Stave Off Elimination, Tie Series with 93-89 Win Over Cavaliers
4/28/2026, 8:18:37 AM
Game 4 Recap
On April 26, 2026 the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 at Scotiabank Arena, evening the first-round series at two games apiece. The Raptors secured the lead in the final minute when Scott Barnes hit two free throws after being fouled by Jarrett Allen. Donovan Mitchell’s late three-pointer missed, and the Cavs were outscored 10-2 in the final 1:54.
Series Context
The matchup pits the No. 5 seed Raptors against the No. 4 seed Cavaliers. Home-court advantage has alternated each game; Game 5 returns to Cleveland, where the winner will take a 3-2 series lead and place the opponent on the brink of elimination.
Statistical Overview
- Shooting: Raptors 4-30 (13.3 %) from three-point range – the lowest 3-point percentage in a playoff win with >=25 attempts (ESPN). Cleveland 10-40 (25 %) from deep. Overall field-goal percentages: Raptors 31-97 (32 %); Cavaliers 33-84 (39 %).
- Turnovers: Cleveland committed 18 turnovers (Cleveland.com, ESPN, AP). Mitchell and Harden combined for 11 of those.
- Rebounds: Toronto secured 21 offensive rebounds, generating 19 second-chance points (Cleveland.com). Cleveland grabbed 15 rebounds (Jarrett Allen) and 10 offensive boards (Collin Murray-Boyles).
- Free throws: Raptors 27-15; Cavaliers 15-10.
Key Performances
- Scott Barnes (Raptors): 23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists; made all six free throws in the closing 34.6 seconds.
- Brandon Ingram (Raptors): 23 points, 3 three-pointers.
- RJ Barrett (Raptors): 18 points, 8 rebounds; scored the go-ahead layup with 48.8 seconds left.
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors): 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 offensive boards.
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): 20 points (12 in the fourth), 4-24 shooting; missed a potential game-tying three with 10 seconds remaining.
- James Harden (Cavaliers): 19 points, 8 assists, 7 turnovers; recorded more turnovers than field goals.
- Evan Mobley (Cavaliers): 8 points, 9 rebounds; struggled offensively.
- Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers): 15 rebounds, 3 points; led the Cavs’ rebounding effort.
Official Statements & Responses
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the need to reverse the turnover trend and regain defensive intensity. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic praised his team’s relentless guarding. Mitchell acknowledged the missed opportunities, noting the “answer” lies in better execution. Harden stressed the importance of “being aggressive” and improving ball security.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts from Cleveland.com labeled the Cavs “soft, fragile, and weak,” citing persistent late-game breakdowns. Fearthesword assigned grades of F to Mitchell, D- to Harden, and D- to Mobley, arguing the core four failed to deliver when needed. The consensus criticism centers on poor shot selection, excessive turnovers, and an inability to protect the paint.
On-the-Ground Reports
AP reporter Scott Barnes highlighted the Raptors’ composure under pressure, while ESPN’s Darko Rajakovic noted the historic low three-point shooting by Toronto. Both outlets described the game as a defensive battle with both teams “floundering offensively.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the final score and major statistics, but the exact count of second-chance points is reported only by Cleveland.com (19) and not confirmed by other outlets. Additionally, while most reports list 18 total turnovers, the breakdown between players varies, leaving a minor gap in attribution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just never, never flinched,” — Scottie Barnes, forward, Toronto Raptors (AP)
- “We had an opportunity tonight to win the game,” — James Harden, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers (AP)
- “There’s no doubt they’ve had the physicality advantage, the energy advantage these last two games,” — Kenny Atkinson, head coach, Cleveland Cavaliers (AP)
- “I got some open looks tonight and they just didn’t fall,” — Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers (AP)
- “We just never flinched; we continued guarding and guarding,” — Darko Rajakovic, head coach, Toronto Raptors (ESPN)
What’s Next
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday in Cleveland. The Cavaliers must limit turnovers and improve three-point efficiency, while the Raptors aim to sustain their defensive pressure and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The victor will command a 3-2 series lead and move one step closer to the conference semifinals.
