Raptors’ Road Struggles Continue in 122-108 Loss to Cavaliers
CLEVELAND — The Toronto Raptors remain winless on the road this season, falling 122-108 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Despite strong contributions from Scottie Barnes and rookie Gradey Dick, Toronto couldn’t overcome the high-powered Cavaliers, who extended their home record to a perfect 10-0.
Barnes and Dick each tallied 18 points for the Raptors, who dropped to 0-8 away from Scotiabank Arena. The team’s effort was evident but marred by inconsistency and costly errors that allowed Cleveland to pull away in crucial moments.
A Promising Start Falters
The Raptors showed promise early, keeping pace with the Cavaliers and entering the fourth quarter down by just six points. However, a decisive 10-1 run led by Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome dashed Toronto’s hopes. Mitchell, who scored seven straight points during the burst, and Jerome, who added a dagger three-pointer, carried the Cavs (17-1) to their 17th victory in 18 games.
The Cavaliers’ interior dominance proved too much for Toronto, with Jarrett Allen posting a commanding double-double of 23 points and 13 rebounds. Evan Mobley also contributed 14 points and 11 boards.
Raptors Highlights and Concerns
While the Raptors showcased individual efforts, including Jakob Poeltl’s 18 rebounds and RJ Barrett’s 16 points, the team’s execution remained a concern. Dick, a bright spot in his rookie campaign, was sidelined in the second half with a sore left calf, adding to Toronto’s challenges.
Toronto’s inability to capitalize on opportunities and limit turnovers was evident.
Next Steps for Toronto
The Raptors now face the Detroit Pistons on Monday as part of their four-game road trip, seeking their first win away from home. With limited recovery time and lingering injuries, Toronto will need a sharper approach to avoid further road woes.
As the Raptors work to build consistency, the focus remains on tightening their execution and finding ways to support standout performances from their core players.
