Cavs answered the mental toughness question in Game 5 — now they have to prove it again
By Ethan Sands
Published on April 30, 2026.
The Cleveland Cavaliers won 125-120 in Game 5 of the series against the Toronto Raptors, a game that marked a significant turnaround in their team's performance. The victory, which tilted the series to 3-2, was seen as a defining moment for the team's progress. The team's response came in waves during the game, with Cleveland trailing for over 27 minutes and struggling to contain multiple double-digit deficits. Despite these struggles, the team remained calm and determined, not rushing to the other direction. Head coach Kenny Atkinson described his team's calm demeanor as a key characteristic of their ability to handle the challenges. Evan Mobley, who scored 23 points in the second half, was the standout player in the game. The game's victory shows a shift in how he approached each possession differently and how he reacts differently.
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