Instant Analysis: How The Cavaliers Fought Off Young Raptors To Remain Top Of The East

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to hold on against the Toronto Raptors to win 122-108 at home. Despite what the scoreline suggests, the Raptors gave the Cavaliers a great fight, cutting into their lead several times. But the Cavs' stars were able to rally at key moments to secure the win at their top spot in the East with a 17-1 record.

Donovan Mitchell was absolutely fantastic tonight, putting up 26 points (10-18 FG), four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block while shooting 5-9 from the three-point line. Jarrett Allen wasn't far behind, with 23 points (10-14 FG), 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. Ty Jerome came off the bench with a crucial 26 points (9-14 FG), three rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

The Raptors relied on their promising young players to carry them tonight, with Scottie Barnes putting up 18 points (5-14 FG), seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. Gradey Dick had 18 points (6-17 FG), four rebounds, and one assist. Jakob Poeltl had a monster double-double with 12 points (5-12 FG), 19 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.

The Raptors seemed primed to take the game over at certain points but were never able to execute when things got close. They cut the Cavaliers' lead to just four points, but couldn't push back against the Cavs' rally to take the lead back.

Here are three reasons why the Cavaliers knocked off the Raptors:

Cavaliers' Efficiency Flusters The Raptors

The Cavaliers had a very efficient game against the Raptors. As a team, they made 49.5% of their shots from the field (48-97 FG), 39.0% from the three-point line (16-41 3-PM), and 71.4% from the free-throw line (71.4%). The starters shot 36-61 from the field (59.0%), 11-20 from deep (55.0%), and 6-9 from the stripe (66.6%).

As for the Raptors, it was a completely different story, as they were very inefficient tonight. They made 40.2% from the field (37-92), 30.8% from deep (12-39), and 64.7% from the charity line (22-34).

One can imagine that, had the Raptors been more efficient, they could have kept things closer or even won the game. But this reflects not just the great offense from the Cavaliers but also their solid defense, as they forced the Raptors into some tough shots that they struggled to convert.

Cavaliers' Starters All Put Up Big Numbers

All the Cavaliers' starters put up double-digit point totals tonight. We discussed the scoring exploits of Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen above. But the entire squad was on point, with Darius Garland dropping 16 points (6-14 FG), Evan Mobley with 14 points (6-11 FG), and Isaac Okoro with 10 points (4-4 FG).

The Cavaliers' starters combined to deliver 89 of the team's 122 points, making up 72.9% of their scoring. In comparison, the Raptors' starting lineup contributed just 73 of the team's 108 points, making up 67.5% of the team's total score.

When the starters on a team deliver at such a high level, it is hard for the opposition to overcome. Especially if their starters don't deliver at least a similar level for them. The Raptors will demand more from their starters going forward, while the Cavaliers will hope that their starters continue this level of performance through the season.

Cavaliers' Well-Timed Scoring Runs

As mentioned before, the 122-108 scoreline might make the Raptors look bad. But the truth is, they stayed in the game for large portions. At one point late in the third quarter, the Cavaliers just had a four-point lead.

It was the Cavaliers' ability to go on scoring runs when their lead started to disappear. They went on a 16-4 run from the final minute of the third quarter till the sixth minute in the fourth quarter. It helped them not only keep their lead but demoralize the Raptors enough to seal the win.

The Cavaliers have been phenomenal this season, losing just one game, coming last week against the Boston Celtics. If they continue this form going forward, it is hard to not consider them one of, if not the standout favorites to win the NBA championship come June of next year.

The Cavaliers cannot revel in this victory for too long, as they take on the Hawks at home on Wednesday at 7 PM EST.