The Toronto Raptors snapped their four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion Friday night, rallying from a double-digit deficit to defeat the injury-riddled Cleveland Cavaliers 112-101 in the NBA Cup opener for both teams. The win not only halted Toronto’s early-season skid but also showcased the emergence of reserve forward Jamison Battle, whose clutch shooting in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.
Raptors Rally After Third-Quarter Scare
The Cavaliers, missing All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) and center Jarrett Allen (broken finger), still managed to build a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley dominated with 29 points and eight rebounds, while De’Andre Hunter added 26 points, giving the depleted Cavs hope for a statement win at home.
But the Raptors refused to fold. Head coach Darko Rajakovic credited his team’s resilience, saying,
“The third quarter was the big one. When they got a 10-point lead, something amazing happened in our huddle—guys started to lift each other up and talk to each other.”Jamison Battle’s Breakout Performance
The turning point came in the fourth quarter, when Jamison Battle erupted for 11 of his season-high 20 points. Battle, a rookie reserve, was perfect from the field—hitting all seven of his shots, including six from beyond the arc. His back-to-back three-pointers in the final two minutes stretched Toronto’s lead and put the game out of reach.
“Jamison Battle played an amazing role in helping us to get our energy back, our swag back,” Rajakovic said after the game.
RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram also contributed 20 points each for the Raptors, while Scottie Barnes added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Cavaliers’ Depth Tested
Cleveland’s depth was severely tested, with five regulars sidelined due to injuries. Despite the adversity, the Cavs led for much of the game and even reclaimed the lead in the fourth quarter before Battle’s heroics. Head coach Kenny Atkinson remained optimistic, stating,
“We hate losing, but this is how we learn about our roster.”Jaylon Tyson chipped in 18 points for Cleveland, but the lack of late-game execution and fatigue from a shortened rotation proved costly.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Raptors will look to build on this momentum as they return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, aiming for their first back-to-back wins of the season. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, hope to get healthier before hosting the Atlanta Hawks.
Takeaways and Implications
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Jamison Battle’s emergence gives Toronto a much-needed scoring punch off the bench.
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Cleveland’s injury woes highlight the importance of roster depth in the grueling NBA schedule.
- The Raptors’ comeback win could serve as a turning point early in their season, while the Cavaliers must regroup and hope for the return of their stars.
If this game is any indication, the NBA Cup is already delivering high drama and unexpected heroes.
Sources
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