Time to protect the home court advantage we just took from Detroit
The Cavaliers win if they _____.
Limit Toronto's transition baskets. When Cleveland has avoided turnovers and prevented Toronto from racking up points in transition, the Raptors' offense has stalled. The Cavs had only one turnover during their fourth-quarter rally in Game 6, and it was nearly enough to clinch the series.
The Cavs need more from star guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden on offense, but the backcourt's defense has mostly held the Raptors in check in the half court. If the Cavs can stop giving away easy baskets, they should secure another win at home to advance.
The X factor of Game 7 is _____.
Harden. His playoff track record is no secret, but the numbers are stunning nonetheless: In seven career Game 7s, Harden has averaged just 19.3 points on 35% shooting, including 22% on 3-pointers. He turned in a strong performance in his first career Game 7 -- in 2011 with Oklahoma City -- but has shot 41% or worse in every one since.
Harden's season has ended in a Game 7 in three of the past five seasons; in 2023 and 2025, he failed to reach double digits in points.
Cleveland needs a better version of its point guard against Toronto's stifling defense. Notably, Harden has scored more than 20 points in every win against the Raptors in this series, but he has been below 20 in every loss.
One option for whoever is getting double teamed at the top of the key is to have Mobley flash to the free throw line and let him be the point-forward from there, looking for a pass to a cutter unless he sees an opening for himself
Another option is a dribble handoff to whoever comes over from the corner, maybe combined with a pick set by a third player so they can take the handoff and drive in with speed
What else? Which players are beating this Toronto zone defense tomorrow?