Honestly, if you missed the Raptors vs Cavs last game on November 24, 2025, you missed a masterclass in mid-range dominance. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Toronto Raptors pulled off a 110-99 victory at Scotiabank Arena, extending their winning streak to eight games and proving that this new-look roster has some serious teeth.
Brandon Ingram was the main character. Period.
He dropped a season-high 37 points, and 15 of those came in a third-quarter blitz that basically turned the lights out for Cleveland. It's kinda wild to think that in the first two meetings against the Cavs this year, Ingram didn’t even hit a three-pointer. Then, suddenly, he’s out there canning five of them like it’s a practice session.
Cleveland looked gassed. You could see it. They were missing Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and on the second night of a back-to-back, that’s a recipe for disaster. Donovan Mitchell tried to carry the load, but the Raptors’ defense was suffocating.
What Really Happened in the Raptors vs Cavs Last Game
The vibe in the arena was electric because Toronto hasn't swept a season series against Cleveland since that 2019-20 championship-hangover season. Doing it again felt like a turning point. The Raptors moved to 13-5, while the Cavs slipped to 12-7 after the loss.
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Toronto played without RJ Barrett, who was sidelined with a sprained right knee. You’d think losing a 20-point scorer would hurt, but Darko Rajakovic’s system just kept humming along.
The Brandon Ingram Takeover
Ingram didn't just score; he demoralized. He started by hitting those patented mid-range pull-ups that make him so hard to guard. Once the Cavs started playing him for the drive, he stepped back and launched from deep. By the time he hit a three-pointer with 1:20 left in the third quarter to put Toronto up 88-74, the game felt over.
Defensive Masterclass on Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is one of the most explosive scorers in the league, but he finished with just 17 points on 6-of-20 shooting. Toronto threw "the kitchen sink" at him. Between Jamal Shead’s ball pressure and Scottie Barnes looming as a help defender, Mitchell never found a rhythm. He missed 9 of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc. It was one of those nights where the rim probably looked like a keyhole to him.
Breaking Down the Box Score Nuances
While Ingram grabbed the headlines, the supporting cast was vital. Scottie Barnes put up 18 points and 11 rebounds. He wasn't the primary scorer, but his ability to facilitate and grab contested boards kept the momentum on Toronto's side.
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Jakob Poeltl returned to the lineup after a back issue and his impact was immediate. 13 rebounds. He didn't need to score 20 points to be the most important guy in the paint. He just made life difficult for Evan Mobley, who finished with 14 points but struggled to find clean looks near the basket.
Cleveland’s bright spots were few and far between:
- Jaylon Tyson showed some serious spark with 15 points and 9 rebounds.
- Nae’Qwan Tomlin chipped in 14 points, continuing to show he belongs in the rotation.
- Lonzo Ball had 7 assists and 7 boards, but his shooting was... well, let's just say 3-for-15 is a rough night at the office.
Why the Third Quarter Flipped the Script
Basketball is a game of runs, and Toronto’s 13-2 run to end the first half set the stage. However, the third quarter was where the Raptors vs Cavs last game was truly won. Cleveland tried to switch to a zone to slow Ingram down, but he just shot right over it. When a guy that tall has his jumper falling, there isn't a defensive scheme in the world that works.
The Strategy That Most People Missed
Everyone talks about the scoring, but the real story was the transition game. Toronto is currently ranked #1 in the league for fastbreak points per game, and they used that speed to punish Cleveland's tired legs.
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They didn't let the Cavs set their half-court defense. As soon as Poeltl or Barnes secured a defensive rebound, they were pushing the ball. Cleveland, missing the rim protection of Jarrett Allen, looked vulnerable every time Toronto drove to the cup. It wasn't just about being faster; it was about being more physical.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
If you're a Raptors fan, you're looking at the standings and feeling pretty good. This win wasn't a fluke. It was their 12th victory in 13 games. The chemistry between Ingram and Barnes is developing faster than anyone expected.
For the Cavs, this is a "flush it and move on" kind of game. You can’t judge a team fairly when they're missing two All-Star caliber starters and playing on zero rest. Once Garland and Allen are back, Cleveland is still a top-tier threat in the East.
Actionable Insights for NBA Fans:
- Watch the Injury Report: Both teams are dealing with key absences (Barrett for TOR, Garland/Allen/Hunter for CLE). If you're betting or playing fantasy, these updates are more important than season averages right now.
- Track the Ingram-Barnes Synergy: Keep an eye on how many assists Barnes is logging to Ingram specifically. Their two-man game is becoming the core of the Raptors' offense.
- Cleveland's Bench Depth: Watch Jaylon Tyson. His increased minutes during these injury stretches suggest he might be a permanent fixture in the rotation even when the team is healthy.
The Raptors vs Cavs last game served as a reminder that Toronto is no longer "rebuilding." They are competing. Whether they can maintain this pace through the gauntlet of the Eastern Conference remains to be seen, but for one night in November, they were clearly the better team.
Monitor the status of RJ Barrett’s knee over the next week, as his return will likely shift Brandon Ingram back into a more balanced scoring/facilitating role rather than the high-volume shooter we saw against Cleveland.