ESPN5/3/2026Sports1 min readUnited States

Raptors vs Cavaliers Game 7: Winner-take-all battle to close first round

Cleveland aims to extend Game 7 winning streak while Toronto fights to keep season alive

nba playoffs toronto raptors cleveland cavaliers

Quick Look

The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers face off in a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday to close out their first-round playoff series.
Cleveland holds historical advantages, having won four straight Game 7s and going 4-0 all-time in Game 7s at home.
Toronto kept its season alive thanks to RJ Barrett's winning 3-pointer in overtime in Game 6, resulting in a 112-110 victory.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The Raptors and Cavaliers are meeting in a Game 7 for the first time in this series. Cleveland took control early with a 2-0 lead, but Toronto responded to force the decisive game. The Cavaliers have historically dominated Game 7 situations, particularly at home.

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The final first-round game of the 2026 NBA playoffs is a winner-take-all meeting between the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. The Cavaliers took a 2-0 series lead before the Raptors defended home court to even it. Cleveland set up a potential clincher with a win in Game 5. However, Toronto kept its season alive thanks to RJ Barrett's winning 3-pointer Friday, leading to a 112-110 overtime victory. Recent history is on the Cavaliers' side heading into the matchup. They've won four straight Game 7s, the longest active streak in the NBA, according to ESPN Research. Cleveland is also 4-0 all time in Game 7 at home. Meanwhile, Toronto is 3-3 in Game 7s, including 0-1 on the road. Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavaliers with 23.3 points per game, while James Harden has put up 21.0 points and 6.7 assists. Barrett is averaging a team-high 24.3 points, and Scottie Barnes is second with 24.2 per game. Barnes is also averaging nine assists and 5.7 rebounds. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram, who averaged 21.5 points in the regular season but has struggled in the playoffs, is questionable because of a heel injury after missing Game 6 because of the same injury. Who will take Game 7 and move on to the second round? Follow along for live updates and highlights throughout the night.