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Spencer Davies
1d
Updated at Apr 19, 2026, 19:15
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The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series. Was the first meeting between these teams an indicator of what's to come?

After the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-113 in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series, Spencer German and Spencer Davies analyzed the contest in depth.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were clicking on all cylinders against the Toronto Raptors in Game 1, as they opened their postseason with a double-digit win at Rocket Arena in dominant fashion. 

Spencer German and Spencer Davies discussed what went right, what can be improved, and how they see the rest of the series shaking out.

Topics of the latest show include the following:

- The Cavs ran away with the game in the second half, and even a hot shooting night from the Raptors wasn't enough for them to keep up with the home team. With that kind of offensive performance coming up short, will Toronto be able to hang in the points column with Cleveland's potent attacks?

- The Wine and Gold were determined to get downhill and into the paint all evening long. Both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden knew the assignment, as scorers and as playmakers, getting the ball to the big men. 

- Despite the Raptors knocking down shots, the Cavs' defensive effort was solid, especially in the second half. They held Brandon Ingram in check, forced Scottie Barnes into turnovers, and kept Toronto off the offensive glass.

- Harden's first playoff game in Cleveland couldn't have gone much better. He started the afternoon by involving Jarrett Allen on the first four plays of the contest, swung the ball to Max Strus on the perimeter, and picked the right times to drive into the middle to get to his floater. He also guarded his assignments well, using his quick hands to swipe a couple of steals and getting back to defend fastbreaks.

- Mitchell scored 32 points in Game 1 to extend his streak to nine straight playoff openers with 30 or more, which is an NBA record that places him above Michael Jordan. He was brilliant with his use of high screens, finding the gaps, and finishing through traffic. 

- With 24 points, Strus set his playoff career-high in scoring. His energy was felt from the moment he stepped onto the floor, both as a cutting threat and as a sharpshooter from long range. Physically, he looks great and is prepared to make an impact for this run. 

- Evan Mobley relishes the opportunity to match up with Barnes every time the Cavs play the Raptors, and Sunday was no different. It wasn't his loudest game, but Cleveland's hybrid big man showed up in a huge way.

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