SPORTS

Cavaliers Rally Late To Take 3-2 Playoff Series Lead

PUBLISHED Apr 29, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 82%

Right 18%

Sources: 11

Cleveland rallied Wednesday night in Game 5, as Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and Evan Mobley hit two pivotal 3-pointers to help the Cavaliers defeat the Toronto Raptors 125-120 and seize a 3-2 lead in the first-round series at home. The Cavaliers’ comeback followed a halftime deficit and a 103-100 deficit entering the fourth; James Harden contributed 23 points and Donovan Mitchell added 19, while Toronto’s RJ Barrett led his team with 25. Brandon Ingram left with right heel inflammation, and Game 6 is scheduled for Friday in Toronto with the Raptors facing elimination.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Prior to Game 5, the playoff series between Cleveland and Toronto was competitive with neither team clinching advantage.
Wednesday night: Toronto led 74-67 at halftime but Cleveland closed to trail 103-100 entering the fourth quarter.
Early fourth quarter: Cleveland scored the first eight points to seize momentum and a lead.
Late fourth quarter: Schroder scored 11 points, Mobley hit pivotal 3-pointers, and Cleveland finished 9-for-19 in the period.
After Game 5: Cleveland won 125-120, took a 3-2 series lead, and Game 6 was scheduled for Friday in Toronto; Ingram left Game 5 with right heel inflammation.

News Intelligence

If you're a Cavaliers fan, this win is a big deal. It puts Cleveland one step closer to advancing in the playoffs. For Toronto fans, it's a tense time as the Raptors face elimination. If you're a basketball enthusiast, this series has been a nail-biter worth watching.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

The Cleveland Cavaliers benefited by taking a 3-2 series lead, gaining momentum and home-court statistical advantages heading into Game 6, with key contributions from Dennis Schroder, Evan Mobley, and James Harden.

Who Impacted

The Toronto Raptors suffered a Game 5 loss that puts them on the brink of elimination, compounded by Brandon Ingram leaving with right heel inflammation and poor fourth-quarter shooting performance.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 82%, Right 18%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

The Toronto Raptors suffered a Game 5 loss that puts them on the brink of elimination, compounded by Brandon Ingram leaving with right heel inflammation and poor fourth-quarter shooting performance.