The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs has defied all expectations, delivering drama, heart-stopping finishes, and three thrilling Game 7s—all in the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic, the Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors have each gone the distance, marking the most Game 7s in a single first round since 2014, when five series stretched to the limit. For context, the entire 2025 postseason featured only four Game 7s. This year, the intensity has been off the charts, and no series captures that better than the one between the Cavaliers and Raptors.
The Cavaliers-Raptors rivalry has deep playoff roots. From 2016 to 2018, these teams met three consecutive postseasons, with LeBron James leading Cleveland to a six-game second-round win in 2016 and sweeps in the first round in both 2017 and 2018. James was so dominant that ESPN’s Mark Jones famously nicknamed Toronto "LeBronto." Fast forward to 2026, and while James is in Los Angeles, the Cavaliers seemed poised to continue their reign. They jumped out to a 2-0 series lead, winning both games by double digits. But the Raptors refused to back down.
Toronto roared back in Game 3, powered by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, who each scored 33 points. Game 4 saw a stunning last-minute comeback to even the series. In Game 5, the Raptors looked ready to win a third straight, leading through three quarters, but the Cavaliers rallied in the fourth for a dramatic win and a 3-2 lead. Game 6 in Toronto was pure theater. The Raptors led by as many as 15 in the second half and were still up double digits in the fourth quarter until Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley sparked an incredible comeback. Mobley forced overtime with a late bucket, and Mitchell put the Cavs ahead by two in the extra frame. It seemed like a game-winner when RJ Barrett’s 3-pointer from the top of the key hit the back of the rim. But the ball bounced straight up, hung in the air, and fell through the net—a divine intervention that gave the Raptors an unforgettable season-saving victory.
This series has delivered the most exciting and competitive basketball of the first round, and with a Game 7 on the horizon, fans can expect nothing less than peak playoff drama. Whether you’re repping your team’s colors or just love the game, this is must-watch basketball.