Basketball history between these two usually follows a specific, predictable script. For years, the story was basically LeBron James treating Toronto like a personal playground, followed by a period where Cleveland’s length overwhelmed a rebuilding Raptors squad. But things changed. Honestly, if you haven’t been watching the 2025-26 season closely, you might still think the Cavs have the upper hand. They don't.
Toronto has turned the tables.
It’s weird to say out loud, but the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Raptors matchup has become one of the most lopsided season series in the East this year—just not in the way anyone expected. The Raptors have snatched three straight games from Cleveland this season, including a decisive 110-99 win on November 24, 2025.
The Reality of the Season Series
The November 24th clash at Scotiabank Arena was a microcosm of why Cleveland is struggling here. Brandon Ingram, who has been a massive addition for Toronto, absolutely torched the Cavs for 37 points. Cleveland looked sluggish. They were coming off a back-to-back, sure, but the Raptors just had more juice.
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Toronto moved to 13-5 after that game, while Cleveland slipped to 12-7. It was the third time the Raptors beat them in less than a month. Earlier in the fall, Toronto stole a 112-101 win and a 126-113 victory. The Raptors aren't just winning; they’re covering the spread and controlling the tempo.
Why the Cavs Can't Buy a Win
- The Ingram Factor: Brandon Ingram’s ability to create his own shot has given Toronto a primary scoring option that matches Donovan Mitchell’s output. Mitchell dropped 31 in their November 13th meeting, but it wasn't enough to overcome Ingram and Scottie Barnes.
- Scottie’s Versatility: Scottie Barnes is a walking mismatch. In that 126-113 win, he finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. He’s basically playing the role of a point-center, and Cleveland’s "Twin Towers" (Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen) are finding it hard to stay with him on the perimeter.
- Missing Pieces: Cleveland has been playing through some nagging injuries. Darius Garland has missed a chunk of time with a toe injury, and when your primary playmaker is out, the offense becomes way too reliant on Mitchell’s heroics.
Matchup Dynamics: Size vs. Speed
Cleveland usually wins games by making the paint a restricted zone. Mobley and Allen are elite. However, Toronto’s current roster doesn't care about your interior defense because they’ve become incredibly efficient at mid-range and transition scoring.
The Raptors rank first in the league in fastbreak points per game. If Cleveland misses a layup or turns it over—which they did frequently in their recent 110-99 loss—Toronto is gone. You’ve got Immanuel Quickley pushing the pace and Gradey Dick trailing for open threes. It’s a track meet that the Cavs are losing.
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The Statistical Breakdown
| Stat Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Toronto Raptors |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 120.0 | 114.1 |
| Pace Rank | 3rd | 6th |
| 3PT Attempts | 1st | 27th |
Look at those numbers. Cleveland shoots more threes than anyone. Toronto shoots almost the fewest. It’s a clash of philosophies. Cleveland tries to out-math you with the long ball, while Toronto wants to get to the rim and the free-throw line. In their November 13th game, Mitchell was 15-of-17 from the charity stripe. He’s doing the work, but the supporting cast is hitting a wall against Toronto’s length.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
Everyone talks about the "LeBronto" days. That’s ancient history. The current version of the Raptors is built on a "positionless" model that actually counters Cleveland’s traditional size.
When Cleveland plays Mobley and Allen together, they are huge. But Toronto plays guys like Jakob Poeltl and Barnes, who are mobile enough to switch. It’s not about Cleveland being bad; it’s about Toronto being a specific "kinda" kryptonite for them.
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Honestly, the Raptors' defensive intensity is what stands out. In their first meeting this season, they forced six steals in the first quarter alone. They play a chaotic, handsy defense that disrupts the Cavs' rhythm. Cleveland is a team that needs flow. Toronto is a team that creates friction.
Key Individual Battles to Watch
If you're watching the next Cleveland Cavaliers vs Raptors game, keep your eyes on the Mitchell-Quickley backcourt battle. Quickley has evolved from a spark plug into a legitimate floor general. His 25-point performance on November 13th showed he can stay in the game with Mitchell when the lights are bright.
Then there’s the Mobley development. Evan Mobley is an All-NBA talent, but in these Raptors games, he’s sometimes been "missing in action" offensively. He had 29 points in the October loss, but only 19 in the November games. Toronto crowds him. They make him a passer rather than a finisher.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re tracking this matchup for the rest of the season, here is what actually determines the winner:
- Monitor the Turnover Margin: Cleveland loses these games when they turn the ball over more than 12 times. Toronto is too fast in transition to give them extra possessions.
- Check the Injury Report for Garland: The Cavs are a different team with Darius Garland. His ability to move Mitchell off the ball changes the geometry of the court.
- Watch the 3PT Volume: Cleveland needs to make at least 15 threes to beat Toronto’s interior scoring. If they shoot under 33% from deep, they almost always lose to the Raptors' efficiency inside.
- The Bench Production: Toronto’s bench, led by Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead, has been outperforming Cleveland’s second unit. Watch the "bench mob" minutes in the second quarter.
Toronto has the psychological edge right now. They've proven they can win at home and on the road in Cleveland. For the Cavs to reclaim the North, they have to figure out how to slow down the Raptors' transition game without sacrificing their own offensive pace. Until then, the Raptors remain the biggest hurdle in Cleveland's quest for a top seed in the East.