NBA Announces Seven Mistakes in Cavaliers' Loss to Raptors

The Cavs were leading by five points entering the final two minutes, 87–82. Defense intensified at this point, and both teams scrambled to make things difficult for each other. The Raptors were able to close the gap at the 48.8-second mark when RJ Barrett hit a floater, 86–87.

On the Cavs’ possession, they turned to Donovan Mitchell, as expected. Mitchell tried to bring the ball up the court when he almost turned it over after Jamal Shead swooped in to force an eight-second violation. The L2M report said it was illegal contact by the Raptors guard.

"Shead (TOR) moves forward into Mitchell's (CLE) path and delivers body-to-body contact prior to making any contact with the ball," the report reads.

Jarrett Allen fouled Scottie Barnes on the next possession, and the Raptors star converted both free throws to put his team in the driver’s seat.

The referees missed another call against the Cavs at the 34.7-second mark. The Raptors were in the penalty at this point, but they still got extra physical, with Collin Murray-Boyles pushing Sam Merrill during the inbound play. The L2M says it should have been called a foul against Murray-Boyles. The Cavs should have been awarded two free throws.

"Murray-Boyles (TOR) moves into Merrill's (CLE) path and delivers contact that affects his FOM. The contact occurs prior to the release of the inbound pass, and an away-from-the-play foul is warranted."

The last incorrect non-call was also against the Cavs. Sam Merrill was held down by Barnes in the final 6.3 seconds before he made a shot. It was first thought to be a three-pointer but was downgraded to a two-pointer after review.

From there, the Cavs had to foul to stop the clock. It amounted to nothing as the Raptors' Barnes made two free throws and Cleveland ran out of time.

There were a lot of mistakes during the game, but there’s no way the game will be replayed. The Cavs need to regroup now and try to take a 3–2 lead on Wednesday at Rocket Arena.