Overview
- Cleveland closed out Toronto 114-102 in a winner-take-all Game 7 to claim the series 4-3 and open the Eastern semifinals at top-seeded Detroit on May 5.
- Jarrett Allen delivered 22 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks, becoming the first player since Nikola Jokic in 2020 to hit 20-15-3 in a Game 7.
- A 49-21 surge spanning late in the second quarter through the third blew the game open as Allen logged 14 points and 10 boards in the third and Cleveland finished plus-27 on the glass.
- Home fans chanted “MVP” for Allen, who said he thought the cheers were for Donovan Mitchell, and coach Kenny Atkinson called it the best game he has seen from the center.
- Detroit looms with size and a familiar face in coach J.B. Bickerstaff, as analysts note Cleveland still struggles with ball pressure and rangy wings even as its inside play unlocks the offense.