Cavs Dominate Raptors in Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden lead Cavaliers to 126-113 victory over Toronto

Apr. 20, 2026 at 6:13am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors like crimson, azure, and gold, conceptually representing the dynamic action of a basketball game.The Cavaliers' explosive offensive performance in Game 1 against the Raptors is captured in a cubist, geometric painting that deconstructs the action on the court.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Cavaliers opened the NBA Playoffs with a convincing 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their first-round series. Cavaliers stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 54 points, including 4 three-pointers each, to lead the team to a 21-point advantage after three quarters.

Why it matters

This decisive Game 1 victory gives the Cavaliers momentum heading into the rest of the series against the Raptors. The Cavaliers' strong performance showcases their offensive firepower and ability to win playoff games on the road, which will be crucial as they aim to make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Cavaliers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, dominating the Raptors throughout the game. Mitchell and Harden were the driving forces, with Mitchell scoring 28 points and Harden adding 26. The Cavaliers' defense also stepped up, limiting the Raptors' scoring opportunities and maintaining a comfortable lead for most of the contest.

  • The game was played on April 19, 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

All-Star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who scored 28 points in the Game 1 victory.

James Harden

Veteran guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who contributed 26 points in the win over the Raptors.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA team that defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

Toronto Raptors

The NBA team that lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

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What they’re saying

“We came out with a lot of energy and really set the tone early. That's the kind of effort we need to sustain throughout the series.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Guard

“They outplayed us in every facet of the game. We need to go back, watch the film, and make the necessary adjustments for Game 2.”

— Nick Nurse, Raptors Head Coach

What’s next

The Cavaliers and Raptors will face off again in Game 2 on April 21, 2026 in Toronto. The Raptors will look to even the series at home, while the Cavaliers aim to take a 2-0 lead.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' dominant performance in Game 1 showcases their potential to make a deep playoff run. However, the Raptors will need to make significant adjustments to avoid falling into a 2-0 series hole against the talented Cavaliers squad.