During the Cleveland Cavaliers' 136-106 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Raptors center Jonathan Mogbo fouled Cavaliers center Evan Mobley. The game took place in Toronto. (Photo credit: Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)
The Toronto Raptors stumbled in their season opener, losing 136-106 at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley was unstoppable, scoring 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds, leading his team to a commanding win. The Raptors, already shorthanded, suffered another blow when starting point guard Immanuel Quickley left the game late in the first half with a right pelvic injury.
Quickley had made a solid start for Toronto, contributing 13 points, four assists, and two rebounds before his unfortunate exit. Without him, the Raptors struggled to keep up with the Cavaliers, who capitalized on their weakened opponent. Toronto's Montreal native Chris Boucher tried to rally the team, leading them off the bench with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Gradey Dick, in his second year with the Raptors, added 16 points, while all-star forward Scottie Barnes managed nine points, six rebounds, and five assists.
The Cavaliers were in control for most of the night, leading by as many as 33 points at one stage. Donovan Mitchell supported Mobley’s effort with 21 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Jarrett Allen contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Cleveland’s forwards consistently outmatched Toronto's smaller lineup, dominating in the paint, where they outscored the Raptors 68-38.
The game started competitively, with Toronto even leading by seven points in the first quarter. But Cleveland’s depth and relentless offence soon overwhelmed the Raptors, especially after Quickley’s injury. The turning point came late in the second quarter when Cleveland went on a crushing 18-4 run, pushing their lead to 69-49 at halftime.
Quickley’s injury occurred while battling Cavaliers guard Darius Garland for a rebound. Garland undercut Quickley, causing him to fall hard on his tailbone. Clearly in pain, Quickley still managed to make one of two free throws before leaving the game. Without his presence, the Raptors' offence faltered, and Cleveland took full advantage.
This game marked Scottie Barnes’ first regular-season appearance since suffering a season-ending injury in March. Barnes, who had been crowned as the Raptors' future after Pascal Siakam's trade, had a rough night, making just three of his 14 field goal attempts and missing both of his three-point tries. His underwhelming performance added to the Raptors’ struggles.
To add to their misfortune, Toronto was already missing another key player, RJ Barrett, due to a shoulder injury. With a depleted roster, the Raptors found it hard to keep up with Cleveland’s high-powered offence, especially without their starting point guard.
The Raptors will aim for redemption in their next game on Friday, where they will face their former coach, Nick Nurse, and his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers head back to Cleveland to host the Detroit Pistons.
