The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t have enough energy or available players on the second night of a back-to-back to keep up with a surprisingly good Toronto Raptors team. Cleveland kept the game competitive,
but didn’t have an answer for Brandon Ingram. His 37-point performance led to a 110-99 victory for Toronto.
Any discussion of this game starts with Ingram. He was simply lethal from all three levels as he went 7-12 on long midrange shots, 5-11 from beyond the arc, and completed both of his shots at the rim. This was good enough to end the night with 37 points on 15-30 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and two assists.
The Cavs didn’t have a scorer who could match that volume.
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Donovan Mitchell didn’t have it to start the game. He had just seven points through the first three quarters on 3-14 shooting. He turned it around in the fourth as he added in 10 points in that frame, but it was too little too late on a night the Cavaliers needed some kind of scoring punch without seven rotation players. Mitchell finished the evening with 17 points on 6-20 shooting with eight assists and a rebound.
Evan Mobley had an efficient scoring night, going 5-7 from the field, but this wasn’t a night the Cavs needed efficiency. They needed someone who could consistently put the ball through the hoop. Mobley didn’t do that as he contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Despite not getting the performances they would’ve wanted from their stars, Cleveland’s role players were able to keep them in the game. Nae’Qwan Tomlin continued his impressive play as he contributed 14 points on 6-8 shooting in the loss. Two-way players Luke Travers (five points) and Chris Livingston (seven points and a steal) also provided useful minutes on a night the Cavs desperately needed some source of offense.
Jaylon Tyson had a solid outing as well. He supplied 15 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in the loss.
Scottie Barnes had a good showing for the Raptors. He ended the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
The Cavs have a few days off before they travel south to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. That will be their final NBA Cup group stage game of the season.
