TORONTO — The Cavaliers took a commanding series lead by winning both Games 1 and 2 in Cleveland before the series turned to Toronto.
In Game 3 on April 23, at Scotiabank Arena, the Cavs took a punch from the Raptors and trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half before clawing back to tie the score at halftime.
But in the fourth quarter, the Raptors went on a 21-2 run, fueled by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett — who both finished with 33 points — and Jamison Battle, who came off the bench to sink four 3s in the final 12 minutes alone. With that, the Raptors won Game 3 126-104 and brought the first-round series to 2-1.
Here are instant reactions and analysis from Game 3 between the Cavs and Raptors:
Cavs vs Raptors Game 3: Ryan Lewis’ instant reaction
The Raptors had to come out swinging and did an excellent job of doing so. But, as much as anything, Game 3 might have come down to the Cavs committing 19 turnovers by the midway point of the fourth quarter, when Toronto went on the run that put the game away.
The Cavs yet again did a nice job on Brandon Ingram, holding him to 12 points, but Scottie Barnes was absolutely fantastic (33 points, 11 assists), the first time this series either of the Raptors’ top weapons found his top gear. Jamison Battle gave the Raptors an incredible shot of adrenaline with four 3s, RJ Barrett poured in 33 points and the Raptors grabbed control of a game for the first time.
It was also the first time this series the Donovan Mitchell-James Harden duo looked out of sync, particularly the latter with his seven turnovers. The Raptors bullied Harden and, outside of a few deep 3s, the future Hall of Famer never looked comfortable. Mitchell, meanwhile, hit just one of his seven 3-point attempts.
There will be no cruising for the Cavs in the first round this time. In a major way, Cleveland might have let the Raptors off the hook considering both of Toronto’s stars were in foul trouble early on.
Cavs vs Raptors Game 3: Nate Ulrich’s instant reaction
The Raptors were determined to set the tone with an aggressive style out of the gate. Facing a 2-0 series deficit entering Game 3, they really had no other choice. The approach almost backfired because All-Star forwards Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes picked up four and three fouls, respectively, in the first half, which ended in a 54-54 tie. Neither Ingram nor Barnes committed another foul, though. Barnes finished with 33 points, and Ingram finished with 12.
What was the Cavs’ version of playing with fire in Game 3? Turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers. The Cavs repeatedly made sloppy mistakes. They lost the turnover battle 22-12 and were outscored 23-8 on points off turnovers.
The Cavs were haunted by their gaffes.
Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich cover the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 3 recap, instant reactions
Reporting by Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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