Cavs swoop in late to snatch the win in Toronto for third straight

Cavs win three straight games

Like a thief in the night, the Cleveland Cavaliers escaped from Scotiabank Arena with a successful heist over the streaking Toronto Raptors. After trailing for nearly the entire game, the Cavs swooped in from behind to snatch the 102-101 win with mere seconds remaining in the game.

Trailing all the way until the 4.8 seconds mark of the final period, Darius Garland drained the two eventual game-winning free throws for their first and only lead as the Cavs displayed improved mettle while securing three consecutive close wins.

Garland led the way for Cleveland against the Raptors, scoring 21 points and dishing out eight assists while shooting 67 percent from the field, while Jarrett Allen kept up with his impressive double-double streak by posting 16 points and 15 boards.

Just as in previous wins over the Charlotte Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazers, it came right down the wire, and the Cavs did just enough to close out the game–a far cry from the late collapses they incurred earlier in the young season.

The Cavs should look to further extend the streak

Cleveland’s third overall selection Evan Mobley continued to make a case for the Rookie of the Year race, outdueling the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes with another efficient outing as he tallied 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s own fourth overall pick also excelled with an all-around performance of 14 points, 10 boards, four dimes, and two blocks, further legitimizing the Cavaliers’ initial reported interest to consider him during the draft process.

Barnes may have been a more seamless fit with the existing pieces in the Cavs roster, but Mobley still appears to be the best bet, making an impact on both ends of the floor and showing the capability to become an elite defender this early in his career.

With Kevin Love, and Lauri Markkanen out due to health and safety protocols, and starting guard Collin Sexton struggling offensively, the bench mob of Cedi Osman and Ricky Rubio continued to deliver as part of the second unit.

After ending the Raptors’ five-game winning streak, the Cavs have now won five of their last seven assignments and but will face another acid test when they visit the New York Knicks on November 8, just ahead of returning for a much welcomed four-game homestand.