Cavs break out their best, overwhelm Raptors in Game 1

It all came together for the Cavaliers in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

Efficient. Smart. Tough. Kept Toronto off the offensive glass. These were all the things we were wondering about the Cavs entering the playoffs.

They delivered in every area, offering perhaps their finest second half of the year in cruising to a 126-113 home win. Game 2 is Monday night at Rocket Arena.

When it comes to this one, let us count the ways. Offensively, the likes of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Max Strus and Evan Mobley simply refused to be denied.

Defensively, the Cavs matched Toronto’s physicality and forced the Raptors to do something they don’t like. That would be to shoot a bunch of shots from the way outside. Yes, the Raptors hit their fair share of threes (13-of-27) — but that doesn’t change the fact that most weren’t good shots. They were just difficult makes.

The Cavs will take it.

And yes, as good as they were offensively, it was their third-quarter defense that really made the difference here. Cleveland led 61-54 at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, it was 97-76.

That’s what you call 12 minutes of an utter Cavalanche. Toronto simply couldn’t keep up.

Oh, and if you want to talk about inside dominance, the Cavs gave up zero dunks through the first three quarters. Not one. In an NBA game? That’s an underrated stat.

It means the Cavs were getting back on defense, protecting the rim, and forcing Toronto to launch it from Loudville. That’s not the Raptors’ game, and eventually, it caught up to them.

Meanwhile, the Cavs found their rhythm midway through the second quarter and never slowed down.

Mitchell erupted for 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including 4-of-7 on threes. Strus was incredibly hot, scoring 24 on 8-of-10 from the field. It’s hard to remember the two he missed. Harden added 22 points with 10 assists. Mobley was fantastic with 17 points and seven rebounds. That’s the aggressiveness the Cavs will need.

Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen scored six quick points, finishing with 10, protecting the rim all the while.

RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 and 21 points, respectively.

Yes, it’s just one game. So let’s not get too worked up. But all you can do is win the one in front of you, and the Cavs did exactly that. Convincingly.

We’ll have much more, including Dribbles, coming your way shortly here on Hoops Wire.