The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers open their first-round series of the 2026 NBA playoffs. The Cavs enter as the Eastern Conference’s No. 4 playoff seed while the Raptors are fifth. Toronto won all three of the team’s regular-season meetings, all of which were played before the end of November.

The Cavs' Max Strus and referee Tony Brothers were getting under each other's skin. Then Donovan Mitchell intervened.

Cleveland Cavaliers guards James Harden, Max Strus talk about James Harden's impact since arriving to team and what he brings in the post-season.

The victory marked a successful franchise playoff debut for guard James Harden, who moved up the all-time playoff scoring list.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be embarking upon their most important postseason since LeBron James left for the Lakers. Donovan Mitchell has already stated he believes this is his "best shot" to win a championship,

If the Cavaliers make a run this postseason, Donovan Mitchell will almost be at the forefront. But his long-term future in Cleveland is a certainty.