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Cleveland Cavaliers offense shines, but the defense has work to do as the Toronto Raptors series moves to Game 2
TL;DR
The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors 126-113, showcasing a strong offense but struggling defensively. Key players Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus combined for 56 points to secure the victory.
Key points
- Cavaliers won Game 1 against Raptors 126-113
- Cavaliers shot 54% from the floor and 50% from three
- Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus combined for 56 points
- Cavaliers had nine steals compared to Raptors' three
- Cavaliers defense struggled with no blocks registered
Cleveland CavaliersToronto RaptorsDonovan MitchellMax Strus
Cleveland Cavaliers offense shines, but the defense has work to do as the Toronto Raptors series moves to Game 2 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Game 1 goes to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs opened up their series against the Toronto Raptors with a 126-113 victory, outpacing their opponents. The Cavs and Raptors both shot well to start the series, with the Raptors hitting 52% of their shots from the floor, 48% from three, and 74% from the free-throw line. The Cavs shot just a bit better, hitting 54% of their shtos from the floor, 50% of their shots from three and 79% of their shtos from the free-throw line.
The shots were falling all night, with neither team playing especially well on defense. Especially the Cavaliers, who despite having Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley playing considerable minutes, couldn't register one block. The Raptors, who have a less impressive front court defensively, had three. The Cavs did fine ways to contribute on the other end of the court, posting nine steals to just three. A stat-line that was likely the deciding factor in Game 1. The Cavaliers couldn't deter the Raptors offense at all.
If it wasn't for the fact that guys like Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus were hitting as many shots as they were (55% and 80% from the floor respectively), the Cavs likely don't outlast the Raptors. Those two men specifically combined for 56 points, and helped keep the Cavaliers ahead as the final minutes wained down.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 1?
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-113 in Game 1.
Who were the top scorers for the Cavaliers in Game 1?
Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus were the top scorers, combining for 56 points.
How did the Cavaliers perform defensively in Game 1?
The Cavaliers struggled defensively, failing to register a single block and allowing the Raptors to shoot effectively.
What are the shooting percentages for both teams in Game 1?
The Cavaliers shot 54% from the floor and 50% from three, while the Raptors shot 52% from the floor and 48% from three.
