Cavs again find another gear, overpower Raptors for 2-0 series lead

This one was a lot scrappier, maybe a bit more physical. But the Cavaliers would not be denied.

That pretty much sums up their 115-105 home win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday, taking a 2-0 first-round series lead. Game 3 is Thursday in Toronto, and the Cavs got what they needed. Namely, both wins at home.

As for Monday, every time the Raptors got close, the Cavs were able to find another gear. That tends to happen when you have guys like Donovan Mitchell … or James Harden … and even Evan Mobley. Those three scored a bunch of points, but it truly was a teamwide effort when it came to closing the door.

The Cavs played the Raptors fairly equally in the intangibles department, and that’s about all they’ll need to do to emerge from this series. They don’t have to beat Toronto at the little things. But they do have to at least match.

“They’re gonna fight, they’re not gonna make it easy for us,” Mobley said.

Mitchell led the way with 30 points, Harden scored 28, and Mobley had 25 and eight rebounds. Perhaps the best note statistically was the fact committed 12 turnovers, forcing Toronto into 22. That’s usually the Raptors’ strength, but the Cavs have been winning in that area.

Defensively, the Cavs held Raptors standout to just seven points on just 3-of-15 shooting. He’s had a miserable six straight quarters.

More to come …