Cavs vs. Raptors final score, result: Second-half rally propels Cleveland to Game 7 win

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The Cavaliers got all they could handle from the Raptors in their first round series. The two fought like prizefighters, both ending up battered and bruised under the sparkling lights.

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They entered Game 7 with matching point totals. The final game of the series figured to be a dog-fight, filled with thrills and spills.

In the end, though, Cleveland’s talent won out. The Cavaliers emerged as 115-105 victors, setting up a duel with the top-seeded Pistons.

In the first half, the matchup lived up to its billing. Cleveland and Toronto went toe-to-toe, foxtrotting their way to a 49-49 tie through two frames.

The Cavaliers took control in the third quarter, blitzing their foes as their lead swelled to as high as 22 points. Jarrett Allen led the way, producing a 22-point, 19-rebound showing to lead the way.

The Raptors huffed and puffed, attempting to battle back in the fourth. But their efforts were in vain, setting the stage for a captivating joust with Detroit in the next round.

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from Game 7 of the first-round playoff series between the Cavaliers and Raptors. Below are highlights and analysis as the series reached its merciful end. 

STREAM: Watch Cavs vs. Raptors Game 7 live with DIRECTV (free trial)

Cavs vs. Raptors score

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Cavs vs. Raptors Game 7 live updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs

All times Eastern

End of fourth quarter: Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105

10:17 p.m.: Max Strus cans the triple to put the Cavaliers up for good! Cleveland is moving on to the second round! And it will do so in style!

9:45 p.m.: The Cavaliers have been in control during the second half, seeing their advantage swell to as many as 22. The Raptors have huffed and puffed throughout this series. But it seem Cleveland’s talent is going to win out, barring something extraordinary on Toronto’s end.

End of third quarter: Cavaliers 87, Raptors 68

9:15 p.m.: The Cavaliers have started the third quarter on a roll, outscoring Toronto 11-1 to start the frame. They’re currently up 10.

End of second quarter: Raptors 49, Cavaliers 49

8:49 p.m.: Jaylon Tyson’s corner three levels things at 49 apiece as the second half comes to a close!

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8:47 p.m.: Good ball movement sees Harden shake loose for an open three. Cleveland has brought the Raptors’ advantage to just three with one minute left in the second.

8:35 p.m.: For the second time in as many quarters, the Cavaliers have mounted their way back into this one. Toronto’s offense has stalled, opening the door for Cleveland to build its way back.

8:20 p.m.: Scottie Barnes and Co. have erupted in the second frame, seeing their lead swell to 10 points four minutes into the quarter. Barnes and Shead are the leading scorers in this one, tallying 10 points apiece.

End of first quarter: Raptors 26, Cavaliers 24

8:08 p.m.: As the first has wore on, it’s the Cavaliers looking the mightier of the two sides. Mitchell has five straight as Cleveland has pulled itself within three points with two minutes left in the opening frame.

7:55 p.m.: It’s been a splendid start for Toronto thus far. The Raptors have found their target on seven of their first 10 shot attempts, pulling out to an eight-point advantage over their heavily-favored opposition.

7:45 p.m.: And we’re off! Cavs vs. Raptors Game 7 is underway!

7:30 p.m.: Here’s a look at the staring lineups for tonight’s matchup:

Cavaliers:

• James Harden
• Donovan Mitchell
• Dean Wade
• Evan Mobley
• Jarrett Allen

Raptors:

• Jamal Shead
• RJ Barrett
• Ja’Kobe Walter
• Scottie Barnes
• Jakob Poeltl

6:30 p.m.: Brandon Ingram will miss his second straight game with heel inflammation. Toronto’s All-Star forward struggled mightily throughout the first round. With him on the mend, expect Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles to continue help anchor Toronto’s attack.

6:00 p.m.: Both sides are on the scene at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. We’re about one hour from tip-off between the Cavaliers and Raptors.

SEVEN SWAG. @Sprite | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/GRYOZIyckt

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 3, 2026

game 7️⃣ fits pic.twitter.com/1PnK1HUAON

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) May 3, 2026

Where to watch Cavs vs. Raptors Game 7

Cavs vs. Raptors start time

• Date: Sunday, May 3
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Sunday’s Game 7 between the Cavaliers and Raptors will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland. It’s the second Game 7 of the day, following Magic vs. Pistons in Detroit.

What channel is Cavs vs. Raptors on today?

• TV channel (U.S.): NBC
• TV channel (Canada): Sportsnet
• Live stream: Peacock, DIRECTV

NBC will broadcast Game 7 between the Cavaliers and Raptors, with Mike Tirico and Reggie Miller on the call from Cleveland.

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The game can be live streamed on Peacock or with DIRECTV.

Fans in Canada 

Cavs vs. Raptors schedule 2026