Patryk Stachowiak
Raptors Tie Series, Spurs and Celtics Move to 3-1 Leads in 2026 Playoff Action
Sunday’s 2026 NBA Playoffs delivered decisive results across four matchups. The Toronto Raptors secured a pivotal 93-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to even their series at 2-2. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs routed the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93 for a 3-1 series lead, the Boston Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 to take control at 3-1, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 to avoid elimination.
Teams holding a 2-1 series lead historically advance 80% of the time. A 3-1 lead carries a 95.6% win rate, with only 13 teams recovering from such a deficit in playoff history. If a series reaches 2-2, the home team for Game 5 wins 73.1% of the time.
Raptors Force Game 5 in Cleveland
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in Toronto’s grinder at home. The team held Cleveland to 37 percent shooting and just 25 percent from three. Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Brandon Ingram matched Barnes with 23 points. The Raptors executed crucial runs at quarter breaks, closing with a 17-5 surge to secure the win. James Harden led the Cavaliers and moved into sixth on the all-time playoff assists list. Game 5 returns to Cleveland on Wednesday.
Spurs Overcome 17-Point Deficit
San Antonio orchestrated one of the season’s most dominant second halves, outscoring Portland 73-35 after intermission. Victor Wembanyama returned from concussion protocol to deliver 27 points, 12 rebounds, seven blocks, and four steals. De’Aaron Fox finished with 28 points and seven assists. The Spurs trailed 58-41 at halftime but erased that deficit through a 13-0 third-quarter run. A 27-8 fourth-quarter surge sealed the 3-1 series lead. Deni Avdija led Portland with 26 points.
Celtics Set Franchise Record
Boston jumped ahead 34-18 after one quarter and never relented, cruising to a 3-1 series advantage. Payton Pritchard provided a playoff career-high 32 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum flirted with a triple-double: 30 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. The Celtics connected on 24 three-pointers, a franchise playoff record, while shooting 48 percent overall and 45 percent from deep. Joel Embiid returned from appendectomy recovery with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists for Philadelphia.
Rockets Stave Off Sweep
Houston forced a Game 5 with a dominant performance at home. All five starters scored at least 16 points. Amen Thompson led the charge with 23 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. The Rockets dominated the turnover battle 23-13 and outscored Los Angeles in all three quarters, building a 21-point lead at one stage. Alperen Şengün finished with 19 points, while Deandre Ayton posted 19 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which retains a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 tips Wednesday.
Injury Developments
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee and will miss multiple weeks. Donte DiVincenzo requires surgery on a ruptured right achilles tendon. Joel Embiid made his return to action after an appendectomy. Victor Wembanyama cleared concussion protocol to play against Portland.
Follow TipsGG for complete playoff coverage as teams battle toward the Finals.
Read also: Timberwolves Lose Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo to Leg Injuries in Game 4 Victory