Cavaliers vs Raptors live updates: Score, highlights and how to watch Game 1

The 2026 NBA postseason is officially underway as the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors – and the Raptors have some work to do.

The Cavs started the third quarter on a 21-6 run to open up a 22-point lead after clinging to a seven-point advantage at halftime. Donovan Mitchell scored 11 points in the third, including Cleveland’s final five points of the quarter, and he leads all scorers with 24 points heading into the final 12 minutes.

As the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference the Cavs (52-30) have homecourt advantage in the best-of-seven series, but the Raptors (46-36) defeated Cleveland in all three regular-season matchups. However, all three of those games were played before Thanksgiving.

Continue to follow USA TODAY Sports for updates from Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 1. Want to see the full National Basketball Association schedule for April 18 and how to watch all the games? Check out our sortable NBA schedule to filter by team or division.

• Cleveland 120, Toronto 102 with 3:58 left in 4th quarter.

The Cavs opened the third quarter on a 21-6 run, including a 9-0 start out of the gate. And who’s leading the way? That would be Max Strus, who made eight points before the Raptors called a timeout at 5:37 mark. Strus has a game-high 19 points for the game.

• Points (61): James Harden 15, Donovan Mitchell 13, Max Strus 11
• Rebounds (18): Evan Mobley 4, Jarrett Allen 4, Sam Merrill 3
• Assists (12): James Harden 6, Donovan Mitchell 4
• Steals (5): Donovan Mitchell 2

• Points (54): Brandon Ingram 13, Scottie Barnes 11, RJ Barrett 11, Jamal Shead 11
• Rebounds (15): Jakob Poeltl 3, Collin Murray-Boyles 3
• Assists (16): Brandon Ingram 4, Scottie Barnes 4
• Steals (1): RJ Barrett 1

• Cleveland is 20 for 38 from the field (52.6%), 8 for 17 from 3-pointers (47.1%) and 13 for 17 from the free throw line (76.5%).
• Toronto is 21 for 40 from the field (52.5%), 8 for 15 from 3-pointers (53.3%) and 4 for 9 from the free throw line (44.4%).

Tip off between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors is scheduled for 1 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 18.

All times Eastern and accurate as of Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:45 a.m.

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