Cavs Maintain Dominant Home Streak: Mitchell and Jerome Shine in Victory Over Raptors
Cleveland’s basketball powerhouse continues to make waves as the Cavaliers secured another impressive victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome led the charge in a commanding 122-108 win over the Toronto Raptors, pushing their remarkable season record to 17-1.
The Sunday night showdown showcased the Cavaliers’ offensive prowess, with Mitchell and Jerome each contributing 26 points to the scoreboard. This victory marks Cleveland’s 10th consecutive home win this season, a feat not achieved since their stellar 2017-18 campaign.
“We came out with intensity tonight,” said Donovan Mitchell, whose fourth-quarter performance proved crucial in maintaining the team’s lead. “When Toronto made their push, we knew we had to respond, and that’s exactly what we did.”
The game’s turning point came early in the fourth quarter when the Raptors had narrowed the gap to just six points. Mitchell responded with a spectacular seven-point burst in three consecutive possessions, demonstrating why he’s become the team’s go-to player in crucial moments. Jerome followed up with a precise three-pointer from the extended right elbow, effectively putting the game out of Toronto’s reach.
Jarrett Allen continued his exceptional form, posting impressive numbers with 23 points and 13 rebounds. His efficient shooting has been a highlight this season, as he currently ranks second in the league with a remarkable .685 field-goal percentage, trailing only Dallas’ Daniel Gafford.
The Raptors, still searching for their first road win of the season, showed moments of promise. Scottie Barnes and rookie Gradey Dick each contributed 18 points, while Jakob Poeltl dominated the glass with 18 rebounds. In just his second game back after recovering from a fractured orbital bone, RJ Barrett added 16 points to Toronto’s effort.
Cleveland’s success story this season has been particularly noteworthy due to unexpected contributors like Ty Jerome. After missing most of last season with an ankle injury, Jerome has emerged as a vital piece of the Cavaliers’ rotation.
His performance tonight followed his career-high 29-point output in the previous game, solidifying his role as one of the league’s most impactful bench players.
Despite the comfortable final margin, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the improved Raptors squad. “This isn’t the same team we faced earlier in the season,” Atkinson noted. “They’ve shown their potential by taking Boston to overtime and securing wins against strong teams like Indiana and Minnesota.”
The game wasn’t without its concerns for Cleveland. Their defensive rebounding showed room for improvement, allowing Toronto to grab 19 offensive boards. However, the team’s exceptional three-point shooting (16-41, 39%) helped mask any defensive shortcomings.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the Raptors continue their four-game road trip with a Monday night matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
The victory adds another chapter to Cleveland’s historic season. Their only blemish remains a loss to the Boston Celtics last week, which ended their perfect 15-0 start. As the season progresses, the Cavaliers continue to prove they’re not just winning games—they’re making a statement about their championship aspirations.