Schroder delivers in the clutch, James Harden: “Give him the ball”

The Cleveland Cavaliers took Game 5 and seized control of the series against the Toronto Raptors with a massive 125-120 victory. The late-game hero was Dennis Schroder, but James Harden’s composure and leadership were woven throughout the night, and after the game he didn’t sugarcoat where the team had struggled.

Schroder ignites the fourth quarter

When the pressure peaked, Schroder took over. He played the entire fourth quarter and scored 11 of his 19 total points, lifting Cleveland with energy and smart decision-making. The Cavs raised their level when it mattered most and won the quarter 25-17.

But the comeback wasn’t built only there.

Harden sounds the alarm at the right time

In the first half, Cleveland struggled badly – especially with turnovers that gave Toronto easy points and transition opportunities.

That’s where James Harden immediately identified the issue:

Everything. In the second half we were better, especially with live-ball turnovers. That’s where they hurt us and got out in transition

James Harden

A direct way of saying the game had slipped because of details—but also that those issues could be fixed quickly.

A group making adjustments on the fly

The most interesting part was the team’s collective management late in the game. Coach Kenny Atkinson had considered putting the starters back in, but Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley essentially made it clear there was no need to change anything: Schroder had it rolling, so let him stay out there.

And Harden, with one line that said everything, summed it up perfectly:

Give him the ball

James Harden

The Cavaliers now lead the series 3-2 and head back to Toronto with a huge closeout opportunity. Atkinson called it a mental step forward, especially in a tight game like this one.

And in the middle of it all, Harden looks like someone trying to bring order whenever the team flickers off and on too quickly.