Donovan Mitchell and James Harden struggled offensively in Games 3 and 4 against the Raptors, leading to a tied series. The Cavaliers must rely on their backcourt to rebound in the crucial Game 5.
Key points
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden struggled in Games 3 and 4
Cavaliers lost Game 4, tying the series 2-2
Game 5 is crucial for the Cavaliers
Cavaliers rely on Mitchell and Harden for offensive success
But at least to this point, none of that chemistry traveled North of the border.
While the Cavs rely on several key pieces to the lineup and rotation, Mitchell and Harden are the engine that drives Cleveland's playoff chances, especially on the offensive end of the floor.
The Cavs needed a work-of-art masterpiece from their backcourt tandem. The picture they got in Games 3 and 4 wouldn't even be worthy of pinning to the fridge at home.
The Cavaliers struggled through a disastrous offensive performance in their Game 4 loss April 26, which tied the series 2-2 leading into a now-crucial Game 5 at Rocket Arena on April 29.
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) loses possession of the ball battling against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Q&A
What happened in Games 3 and 4 between the Cavaliers and Raptors?
The Cavaliers lost both Games 3 and 4, resulting in a tied series at 2-2.
How did Donovan Mitchell and James Harden perform in the playoff series?
Mitchell and Harden had a poor offensive showing in Games 3 and 4, which negatively impacted the Cavaliers' chances.
What is at stake for the Cavaliers in Game 5 against the Raptors?
Game 5 is crucial for the Cavaliers as they aim to regain the series lead and advance in the playoffs.
When is Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs. Raptors playoff series?
Game 5 is scheduled for April 29 at Rocket Arena.
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks for a basket against the Toronto Raptors during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reaches to block a shot from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photos
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) loses possession of the ball battling against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
1 / 3
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photos
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) loses possession of the ball battling against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
2 / 3
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photos
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks for a basket against the Toronto Raptors during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photos
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reaches to block a shot from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Donovan Mitchell, James Harden playoff stats
Mitchell hit only six of his 24 shot attempts, a near-impossible reality for one of the top 10 scorers in the league. He also committed four turnovers and was involved in a devastatingly important 8-second violation in the final 40 seconds, which happened to be the last time the Cavs would hold the lead. Mitchell went on to miss a floater and a 3-point attempt the rest of the way.
"[The offensive flow] was there [in Games] 1 and 2. It's not like it hasn't been there before, right?" Mitchell said. "But at the end of the day, when we do get it to that point, we got to close out the game, I've just got to be better. We got to be better. That's why the ball's in my hands, right?"
Harden committed seven turnovers after being hit for eight turnovers in Game 3. He was applauded for always putting passes right on the money like prime Bob Feller after the Cavs' Game 2 win, and then in Toronto turned the ball over 15 times, never looking comfortable with the Raptors' defense swarming him.
"Definitely mental. The game of basketball is mental," Harden said, discussing the difference between home and road playoff games. "You've got to, obviously when things are going crazy, the crowd's going crazy, they make a run, we make a run, you still got to focus on the task at hand and what you're supposed to be doing."
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) looks for a passing option as he is covered by Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) looks for a passing option as he is covered by Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Cavaliers vs Raptors playoff stats
The Cavs led by eight points with under five minutes remaining in Game 4. At that point, the series was just about in hand, as they were only a few positive plays away from a 3-1 lead. Those are some of the moments when the Cavs know they need to rely on Mitchell and Harden the most. But in Game 4 — and really both games in Toronto — Cleveland struggled to close. The Raptors finished the first half on a 10-0 run and then controlled the final few minutes of the second half.
And a collapse down the stretch guarantees another game in Toronto (Game 6) and has the series tied with 100 percent of the momentum now swung the Raptors' way.
"They're trying to speed us up. I think they are speeding us up," said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. "So we'll look at it, we'll get better at it. But credit to them, that's what they've done all year. They're a team that turns others over, right? That's their strength.
"So we got to help James. I got to help James."
When asked if he felt like this was a missed opportunity in Toronto, Mitchell and Harden separately both had the exact same answer: "One thousand percent."
If the Cavs are to regain control of a runaway train of a first-round series, they'll likely need their backcourt duo at the controls.
Mitchell's final words of his post-game press conference were apropos, though it could also be extended to Harden: "It's on me."