James Harden, Donovan Mitchell Dominate Raptors in Game 1 as Fans React to NBA Playoffs Win

James Harden and Donovan Mitchell powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 126-113 Game 1 win over the Toronto Raptors at home on Saturday.

Behind a combined 54 points from their star backcourt, Cleveland seized a 1-0 series lead to open the 2025-26 playoffs in commanding fashion.

Mitchell led the way with 32 points on 55 percent shooting, adding three rebounds and four assists in the victory.

Fresh off a season in which he ranked seventh in the league at 27.9 points per game while adding 5.7 assists, the 29-year-old carried that scoring surge into the postseason.

Harden added a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists, along with two steals, continuing his strong impact following a midseason trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Max Strus provided a major spark off the bench, pouring in 24 points on 80 percent shooting and knocking down 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Evan Mobley added 17 points, while Jarrett Allen chipped in 10 to round out Cleveland's balanced attack.

The Cavaliers took a seven-point lead into halftime, fueled by 15 points from Harden and 13 from Mitchell, while Strus added 11 off the bench.

Toronto was paced by 13 points from Brandon Ingram, with RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead each adding 11 before the break.

Cleveland broke it open in the third quarter, outscoring Toronto 36-22 to build a 97-76 lead entering the fourth.

The Raptors trimmed the deficit to 17 in the final period, but the Cavaliers kept their foot on the gas to seal the win.

The teams will meet again in Cleveland on Monday, with the series winner advancing to face the winner of the Detroit Pistons-Orlando Magic matchup in the Eastern Conference.