Ingram Ignites as Raptors Torch Cavaliers for Eighth Straight Win 110-99
The air in Scotiabank Arena crackled with an energy that only a winning streak can create. On a chilly Monday night in Toronto, the Raptors weren’t just playing another game; they were on a mission. Riding a wave of seven straight victories, they faced a bruised but capable Cleveland Cavaliers squad, and what unfolded was a testament to the fire that has been kindled north of the border. With Brandon Ingram delivering a masterpiece performance, the Raptors dismantled the Cavaliers 110-99, pushing their exhilarating win streak to eight games.
This was a statement. The Raptors have now won 12 of their last 13 games, transforming from a team of potential to a force of nature in the Eastern Conference. The victory also marked a season series sweep against the Cavaliers, the first time Toronto has accomplished that feat since the championship-winning 2018-19 season. The message is clear: the Raptors are for real, and they’re hungry for more.
Ingram’s Third-Quarter Takeover
The story of the night was Brandon Ingram. From the opening tip, he played with a quiet intensity, but it was in the third quarter that he truly erupted. Like a dormant volcano, Ingram unleashed a torrent of scoring, pouring in 15 of his season-high 37 points in that period alone. He was unstoppable, a whirlwind of fadeaway jumpers, aggressive drives, and pinpoint three-pointers.
Every time the Cavaliers tried to claw their way back, Ingram was there to slam the door shut. His final dagger of the quarter, a deep three with just over a minute left, stretched the Raptors’ lead to its largest of the night at 88-74 and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It was the kind of performance that defines a player and galvanizes a team, a display of pure, unadulterated talent.
Barnes and the Battered Cavs
While Ingram was the star, Scottie Barnes was the relentless engine. He filled the stat sheet with 18 points and 11 rebounds, his energy infectious and his court vision on full display. He made the gritty plays, fought for every board, and seemed to be everywhere at once. Immanuel Quickley added a cool 11 points, orchestrating the offense with poise.
Donovan Mitchell tried to shoulder the load, scoring 17 points, but he was hounded all night by the Raptors’ defense, shooting a frustrating 6 of 20 from the field. Lonzo Ball’s struggles were even more pronounced, as he went a dismal 3 for 15, missing 10 of his 12 three-point attempts. You could see the fight in the Cavs, but against a Raptors team firing on all cylinders, they just didn’t have the firepower.
A Team Forged in Fire
The Raptors played with a palpable sense of unity, even without the services of RJ Barrett, who was sidelined with a sprained knee. In his post-game remarks, Coach Darko Rajaković dedicated the win to Barrett, a gesture that speaks volumes about the culture being built in Toronto. He also heaped praise on Jakob Poeltl, who returned from a sore back to grab 13 crucial rebounds. It’s these contributions, the ones that don’t always light up the scoreboard, that are forging this team’s identity.
As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 110-99. It was more than a win; it was another chapter in the story of a Raptors team that is capturing the imagination of its city and the attention of the league. With Ingram playing at an elite level and a supporting cast that plays with heart and hustle, the sky’s the limit. The Raptors are not just winning games; they are building something special, and it’s a thrilling ride to watch.
