The Toronto Raptors entered Game 3 facing a 2-0 series deficit against the Cleveland Cavaliers and were without Immanuel Quickley for a third straight game due to a hamstring injury. After struggling to keep pace in the opening two games, Toronto needed a response at home to avoid falling into a near-insurmountable hole.

Toronto secured a 126-104 victory at Scotiabank Arena, cutting Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. The game remained competitive through three quarters before Toronto pulled away with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. 

Scottie Barnes led the way with a complete performance. The two-time All-Star finished with postseason career-highs in points (33) and assists (11), and added five rebounds, one steal and one block in 35 minutes. RJ Barrett also scored a playoff-career high 33 points on 12-of-19 shooting, as two of Toronto’s primary offensive options found rhythm for the first time in the series. 

Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles provided the most notable contribution off the bench. The 20-year-old forward added 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal in 28 minutes. He finished +21 in the box score and set a franchise record for most points by a rookie in a playoff game. Reserve Jamison Battle scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, converting all of his four three-point attempts to extend the lead. 

The Cavaliers committed 20 turnovers, including nine in the opening quarter, which Toronto converted into transition opportunities.  Donovan Mitchell was limited to 15 points, while James Harden finished with 18 points (5-of-13 from the field).

All that said, there’s still a problem Toronto cannot ignore. The Cavaliers did a nice job on Brandon Ingram, holding him to just 12 points in 29 minutes. It’s a continuation of a series-long struggle that is becoming a genuine concern. 

Without Ingram, the Raptors become predictable, and Cleveland’s veteran defenders, particularly Dean Wade, have been making him work for every touch, every drive, every look.

In a game where Barnes and Barrett combined for 66, Ingram’s 12 quiet points are easy to overlook. But if Cleveland makes the necessary adjustments in Game 4 and slows the Barnes-Barrett tandem, Ingram’s struggles will be even more pronounced.

Toronto will look to even the series at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday. Cleveland will look to address its turnover issues and regain offensive control, while the Raptors aim to build on their Game 3 performance. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.