The Raptors passed their first tough test of the 2022-23 campaign, opening the season with a 108-105 win against the new-look Cavaliers. Hosting Cleveland at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night, Toronto was looking to send a message to one of the emerging teams in the Eastern Conference — and did so successfully.
The Cavaliers took an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter, but the Raptors’ swarming defence clawed them back into the game, holding Cleveland to just one made field goal in the final five minutes of the game.
Toronto outscored the Cavs 32-21 in the final frame to come away with a victory, spoiling what was a special night for Donovan Mitchell in his first game in a Cleveland uniform.
Donovan Mitchell, on his debut, scored the game-high 31points, two rebounds and nine assists. Darius Garland could only add four points, one rebound and three assists after being stretched out due to injury.
Pascal Siakam tallied 23 points, 11 rebounds and one assist, while teammate OG Anunouby added 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a winning effort.
Discussion about this post