Raptors Clinch No. 5 Seed, Face Cavaliers in Playoffs

Toronto Raptors clinched the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 136-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, securing their first postseason berth since 2022 and setting up a first-round matchup against the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

The win at Scotiabank Arena capped the regular season for both teams, with the Raptors finishing 46-36. RJ Barrett led Toronto with 26 points, while Brandon Ingram added 25 points and nine rebounds. Scottie Barnes recorded his third triple-double of the season and ninth of his career, finishing with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists on 8-for-11 shooting. JaKobe Walter and Jakob Poeltl each scored 11 points, and A.J. Lawson contributed 10. Immanuel Quickley played 17 minutes before exiting in the second half with right hamstring tightness, tallying four points and five assists.

For the Nets, who ended 20-62, Tyson Etienne scored 20 points, E.J. Liddell had 17, Chaney Johnson posted 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Ben Saraf added 15. Brooklyn rested its starters and was hampered by injuries to 10 players, including Nic Claxton and Noah Clowney, fielding a lineup of reserves that trailed 70-61 at halftime.