In this season’s opener, the Toronto Raptors edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-105 as the closing minutes decided the outcome, with Ricky Rubio playing a pivotal role for the Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. For Toronto, Pascal Siakam posted a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Juancho Hernangómez appeared in reserve roles, contributing rebounds and steals in limited minutes. This game highlighted a year of transition for the Raptors as they navigate rebuilding efforts after a championship era. The club’s core, guided by coach Nick Nurse, continues to lean on veterans such as Fred VanVleet and Siakam while fostering the development of emerging talents like Scotty Barnes.
Following their 2018-2019 title run, the Raptors faced the challenge of replenishing pieces lost to free agency or trades. The current strategy centers on a blend of steady leadership and potential breakout stars, with the team pursuing continuity and growth under Nurse’s system.
Raptors in a Rebuilding Cycle
This season introduces added depth to the roster, including moves that bring in players from abroad and young prospects who can contribute meaningful minutes. Otto Porter Jr. joins the lineup in partnership with the Raptors, alongside Juancho Hernangómez and Christian Koloko, signaling a broader rotation designed to balance experience with upside. The team opened against the Cavaliers, a squad that has retooled with new pieces like Donovan Mitchell and the return of key contributors, while awaiting the recovery of Ricky Rubio.
The early-game approach saw Toronto establishing its footing on the floor. Due to an injury to Porter Jr., head coach Nurse deployed a starting group featuring VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Scotty Barnes, opposing a Cavaliers quintet led by Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. The opening period saw both teams trade momentum, but two consecutive three-pointers from VanVleet and Barnes in quick succession allowed the Raptors to seize a six-point edge to end the first quarter 28-22.
Cavaliers Take Command
The second quarter began with Toronto holding a peak lead of 11 points (33-22) after a trio of early baskets from Thaddeus Young, who had just entered the game alongside Hernangómez. Cleveland responded with a scorching 13-0 run that flipped the scoreboard to a 33-35 Cavaliers advantage. The Cavaliers capitalized on longer wingspans from Allen and Mobley, while Toronto relied on reserves for relief. A late first half stretch by Cleveland pushed the margin to 51-57 at the break, with a rough moment when Toronto’s Garlands collided with an opponent.
Mitchell took charge in the third quarter, pushing the Cavaliers ahead by eight points, 54-62, after his continued scoring burst. Yet Toronto refused to surrender, and Siakam energized the comeback with a late burst, tying the game at 73-73 by the end of the third period. The Cavaliers still held an eight-point lead at 76-84 as the quarter closed.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Toronto’s offense found new life through timely three-pointers from VanVleet, Anunoby, and Precious Achiuwa, trimming Cleveland’s advantage to three points, 85-88. A stretch of defensive intensity followed, and Mitchell’s 27 points could not prevent a late-court tie at 90-90. With 3:30 remaining, Toronto grabbed a 98-97 lead, and by 1:33, the Raptors were ahead 105-99. The closing minutes saw Cleveland press aggressively, yet Toronto held firm to secure a 108-105 victory in the season opener, a result achieved in a dramatic final stretch.
Notes from the game reflect the ongoing Raptors rebuild strategy: a rotation designed to grow young players while leveraging veteran leadership, a mix of inside scoring and perimeter shooting, and a commitment to competitive basketball as the franchise > plots the next chapter of its evolving identity. The result offers a glimpse into Toronto’s plan to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term development, a plan that will unfold as the season progresses. (Source: game recap attribution, 2024-2025 season)