Dean Wade returned to the starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a crucial Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors on May 3, 2026. His presence helped the Cavaliers secure a vital playoff victory, winning 114-102 and advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Cavaliers faced a win-or-go-home scenario after losing Game 6. Wade averaged 5.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 25 minutes per game during his previous four starts in the series. He had come off the bench in Games 5 and 6, where Max Strus took his place as a starter.
Key statistics from Game 7:
- Cavaliers scored 114 points
- Raptors scored 102 points
- Cavaliers outscored Raptors 38-19 in the third quarter
- Jarrett Allen contributed with 14 points and 10 rebounds in that quarter
The Cavaliers fell behind by as many as ten points twice in the second quarter but made a strong comeback. Max Strus recorded Cleveland’s best plus-minus rating of plus-20 in Game 7.
The Cavaliers will now face the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in the second round. Game 1 is scheduled for May 5 in Detroit.
