CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers had virtually nothing to gain in their regular-season finale Sunday, April 12, against the Washington Wizards but still came away with a 130-117 win. The Cavs rested most of their key players with an eye toward the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Cavs have secured the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the Toronto Raptors in Round 1.
Cleveland's game against Washington had no bearing on which first-round opponent it will encounter. Around p. m.
, the Cavs found out the Raptors had clinched the fifth seed. AdvertisementGame 1 is set for 1 p. m.
Saturday, April 18, in Cleveland. Here's how Cavs (52-30) versus Wizards (17-65) unfolded through our updates:1 / 53Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 seasonSACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California.
NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)Cavs to face Toronto Raptors in NBA playoffs After the Cavs completed their game, the Raptors secured the No. 5 seed, setting up a Cleveland-Toronto first-round matchup.
Cavs beat the Wizards 130-117The Cavs have defeated the Wizards 130-117 and finished the regular season with a 52-30 record. Tyrese Proctor had a great game, finishing just short of a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Nae'Qwan Tomlin had 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Jaylon Tyson added 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. AdvertisementOlivier Sarr, Cavs beating Wizards late Before the game, Kenny Atkinson noted how Olivier Sarr was one of the players the Cavs have brought in he couldn't believe they weren't in a rotation for some other lineup around the league. He's looked good tonight with nine points, five rebounds and a block, and the Cavs lead the Wizards 120-111 with left.
Cavs lead Wizards in fourth quarter Tyrese Proctor and Riley Minix have both had quality starts to the quarter, and the Cavs now lead the Wizards 115-106 with to go. Proctor is up to 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists tonight. Minix is up to 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the floor.
AdvertisementCleveland Cavaliers lead Washington Wizards 99-95 at end of third quarter of regular-season finaleThe Cavs led the Wizards 99-95 at the end of the third quarter. Cavs forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin had 20 points, four assists and four rebounds through three quarters. Wing Jaylon Tyson had 18 points for Cleveland.
Cavs small forward Max Strus did not play in the third quarter, indicating he is done for the night after scoring 10 points in 18 first-half minutes. Strus is expected to be a part of the Cavs' playoff rotation. Why did he play at all against the Wizards?
He's still working his way back into form after undergoing offseason foot surgery. This is his 12th game this season. AdvertisementForward Jamir Watkins and guard Bub Carrington led the Wizards with 17 points apiece entering the fourth quarter.
Wizards cut Cavs' lead to 76-71The Wizards ended the first half with a rally and started the second half by outscoring the Cavs 16-11 to begin the third quarter. The Cavs led 76-71 with remaining in the third quarter. Apr 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesCavs lead Wizards 65-55 at halftimeThe Cavs felt the wrath of Bub Carrington late in the second quarter. The Wizards guard scored the last 11 points of the first half with four jump shots, including two for 3-pointers, and a foul shot. The Cavs led 65-55 at halftime after the run produced by Carrington.
AdvertisementCarrington had 12 points at halftime, a scoring total matched by Wizards forward Jamir Watkins. Wing Jaylon Tyson (14 points), forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin (13 points) and wing Max Strus (10 points) paced the Cavs in the first half. Apr 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts after a play during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesCleveland Cavaliers lead Washington Wizards 62-43 with left in second quarterThe Cavs led the Wizards 62-43 during a timeout with remaining in the second quarter. Cavs forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin has made 2-of-3 3-pointers for six points in the second quarter. Tomlin has 11 points thus far.
The Cavs have been outscored 22-19 in the second quarter after crushing the Wizards 43-21 in the first quarter.