The Cleveland Cavaliers proved that even on an off night for their star guard, they can still find a way to win. In a gritty 125-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 5, the Cavs reclaimed control of the series, taking a 3-2 lead. This was a game defined by adjustments, resilience, and a return to their core identity as an inside-out offensive team.

After struggling to score in Games 3 and 4—failing to crack 105 points in either loss—Cleveland flipped the script by attacking the basket with relentless purpose. They took 39% of their shots at the rim, a figure that lands in the 80th percentile among playoff games. That was a stark improvement from the 26% and 28% they managed in the previous two losses, where their offense stalled due to an inability to penetrate.

Not only did they get to the rim, they finished there. The Cavs converted 76.9% of their attempts in the restricted area (74th percentile), forcing the Raptors defense to collapse and opening up the rest of the floor. That inside pressure paid dividends from deep: Cleveland knocked down 50% of their three-pointers, a massive leap from the 31.1% and 25% they shot in Games 3 and 4. This is no coincidence. The Cavs are an inside-out team, and when they establish the paint, the ball kicks out for clean catch-and-shoot looks. When they don’t, they settle for stagnant pull-up jumpers. If you ever wonder why their three-point shooting goes cold, look no further than their inability to get inside.

Still, the win wasn’t without its defensive lapses. Toronto torched Cleveland in transition, ranking in the 100th percentile for points added in the open court. The Cavs had done a solid job of limiting the Raptors' fast-break opportunities earlier in the series, but in Game 5, they let them run. Part of the issue was Cleveland’s struggles on the offensive glass—when you don't crash the boards effectively, it’s easier for the opponent to grab the rebound and sprint the other way.

For the Cavaliers, this victory was a testament to their ability to adapt and win ugly when their star has an off night. As they head into Game 6 with a chance to close out the series, they know exactly what works: attack the rim, trust the kick-out, and don’t let the Raptors run wild in transition.