The Toronto Raptors’ playoff hopes have suffered a blow as Brandon Ingram left their Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers early with a right heel injury. The injury could have a significant impact as the Raptors enter a must-win game later this week in Toronto.
Ingram departed during Wednesday night’s 125-120 defeat to the Cavaliers. Cleveland now leads the first-round series 3-2 and is one win away from the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Ingram’s Abbreviated Game 5
Ingram exited the game near the midway point of the second quarter after losing the ball near the wing. While nothing appeared to happen at first, he started limping after Evan Mobley was fouled at the other end. Mobley had gotten his hand on Ingram’s shot attempt.
Ingram checked himself out of the game and limped to the locker room at Rocket Arena. The team quickly ruled him out with a right heel injury, and he did not return.
In his 11 minutes on the court, Ingram had one point and two assists. He had been averaging 14.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in the series against Cleveland.
Cavaliers Take Series Lead
Despite scoring only one point in the final three minutes, the Cavaliers secured a five-point victory. James Harden led Cleveland with 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Mobley contributed 23 points and nine rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell added 19 points. Cleveland shot 50% from behind the arc.
RJ Barrett led Toronto with 25 points and 12 rebounds, one of six players to reach double figures. Ja’Kobe Walter added 20 points on six 3-pointers, and Scottie Barnes nearly had a triple-double with 17 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.
Raptors’ Postseason History Against Cavaliers
- The Cavaliers are now 10-0 against the Raptors in the postseason at home.
- Cleveland is 10-1 in the playoffs when leading a series 3-2.
- The Raptors are 0-5 when trailing 3-2.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Game 6 of the series is scheduled for Friday night at Scotiabank Arena.
The specifics of Ingram’s injury are not yet known. However, even a lingering heel problem would undoubtedly make the Raptors’ quest to make it out of the first round more difficult.