It quickly escalated from there with Ibaka putting a hand around Chriss' neck and both players exchanging blows. Chriss responded with a punch before players from both teams separated the two.
Raptors coach Nick Nurse also saw little of the incident and was keen to ensure that Ibaka was unharmed, but he was frustrated to see the center get involved in an incident that is likely to prompt a suspension.
The Raptors had the ball and Norman Powell tossed a full-court pass toward Ibaka, who was standing in the paint. Ante Zizic compiled 17 points and seven boards.
Love agreed with a suggestion (via cleveland.com) that Cleveland's dominance over Toronto in recent playoff series might have been a factor, with Ibaka possibly releasing some pent-up frustration.
Cleveland took command in the fourth and went ahead 108-88 midway through the period. As well, Kyle Lowry continued to look good, with 14 on just 8 field goal attempts, and OG Anunoby had another excellent game as well.
With the loss, the Raptors now sit at a record of 48-20 and are still ranked second in the Eastern Conference.
The Raptors, showing signs of being exhausted in their third straight road game, struggled throughout the game. Toronto fell behind by 10 points and committed 11 turnovers leading to 13 points for the Cavaliers. The Raptors veteran would lose $149,000 per game if he were to miss any matches. G Patrick McCaw made his first start with the team Sunday at Miami with Leonard sidelined, scoring 10 points in 26 minutes. The Washington product has averaged 7.9 points per game in three National Basketball Association seasons.
Kevin Love tallied his sixth double-double since the All-Star Break - finishing with 16 points and a game-high 18 boards. F Larry Nance Jr.
With Matthew Dellavedova out while still under the league's concussion protocol, Nik Stauskas turned in a solid effort off the bench - finishing with nine points, six boards, five assists and a pair of steals in the victory.
Raptors: Host the Lakers on Thursday.
