The Cleveland Cavaliers surged back in the closing minutes to defeat the Toronto Raptors 125–120 in Game 5, taking a 3–2 lead in their first-round playoff matchup and putting themselves one victory away from advancing.

Toronto appeared in control for much of the night. The Raptors led 74–67 at halftime and extended their advantage early in the third quarter. But after trailing by double digits in the second half, Cleveland, who entered the fourth down 103–100, flipped the game with an 8–0 run behind Dennis Schroder and Evan Mobley. Schroder poured in 11 of his 19 points in the final period, orchestrating the offense with efficiency, while Mobley knocked down two critical three-pointers and finished with 23 points. A step-back three from Jaylon Tyson evened the score, and another deep shot from Mobley gave Cleveland its first lead since the second quarter.

From there, the momentum fully shifted. Toronto struggled badly down the stretch, missing its first 11 shots of the fourth and finishing just 7-for-28 in the period, while Cleveland capitalized with timely scoring. James Harden added 23 points for the Cavaliers, including a strong start that helped them stay close early, and Donovan Mitchell contributed 19, though he saw limited action late in the game. Bench players Dean Wade and Sam Merrill provided a lift after a sluggish start, helping Cleveland regain energy.

The Raptors were led by RJ Barrett’s 25 points, while Ja’Kobe Walter scored 20 and Jamal Shead chipped in 18 off the bench. Scottie Barnes filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Toronto also lost Brandon Ingram in the second quarter due to heel inflammation, and he did not return.

With the series shifting back to Canada, Game 6 on Friday night will give Cleveland a chance to close it out, while Toronto looks to extend what has been a competitive and physical series.

Editorial credit: Shutterstock AI Generator (Shutterstock.com)