Raptors Overcome Historic Shooting Struggles to Beat Cavaliers 93-89 in Game 4
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors proved that sometimes ugly wins are the most beautiful of all. Despite shooting a historically poor 4-for-30 from 3-points range, Toronto gutted out a 93-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 on Sunday, evening their playoff series at 2-2.
The 13.3% 3-points shooting percentage represents the lowest mark with at least 25 attempts in a playoff win in NBA history. Yet the Raptors never wavered in their approach, continuing to take open looks while relying on their defensive intensity to carry them through.
A masterclass in mental toughness
« We just never flinched; we continued guarding and guarding, » Raptors coach Darko Rajaković said after the victory. « I told our guys at halftime, it’s awesome, we’re shooting 27% from the field and 15% from the 3-points line. And I was lying. I told them that we’re going to shoot better in the second half. We did not. But whatever it takes, just find a way to win the game. »
Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes led the charge with 23 points apiece, outdueling Cleveland’s star duo of Donovan Mitchell (20 points) and James Harden (19 points). Ingram was responsible for three of Toronto’s four made 3-points, including the team’s only conversion from beyond the arc in the second half.
« We all communicated with each other, just keep shooting, » Ingram said. « We’re getting good looks. Not only 3-points, we missed some layups. We missed a lot of open looks. »
The shooting struggles weren’t limited to Toronto. The Raptors and Cavaliers combined to shoot 20.0% from 3-points in Game 4, marking the fourth-lowest combined 3-points field goal percentage in a playoff game in the 3-points era. According to ESPN Research, Toronto shot 2-of-21 on open 3-points attempts, the worst mark by any team in a playoff game since tracking began in 2014.
Defensive pressure pays dividends
While the offense sputtered, Toronto’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. The Raptors contested 26 of Mitchell’s and Harden’s 38 shot attempts, holding the duo to just 6-of-26 shooting on those contested looks. Cleveland’s stars combined for 11 turnovers, with Harden recording more turnovers (seven) than field goals (six).
R.J. Barrett contributed 18 points and eight rebounds for his hometown team, while rookie center Collin Murray-Boyles provided a spark off the bench with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The series now shifts back to Cleveland for Game 5 on Wednesday, with both teams understanding they’re in a best-of-three battle for playoff survival.
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