The Cleveland Cavaliers evened their second-round playoff series at 2-2 on Monday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons 112-103 at home in Game 4. The driving force behind the victory was a historic second-half performance by Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell poured in 39 points after halftime, tying the NBA playoff record for most points in a single half previously set by Sleepy Floyd in 1987. Early on, however, it seemed like a quiet night for the Cavs star. He missed his first six shots and finished the first half with just 1-of-8 from the field, contributing to Cleveland trailing 56-52 at the break.
Whatever head coach Kenny Atkinson said in the locker room clearly sparked a turnaround. Mitchell erupted out of the gate in the third quarter, scoring the Cavs’ first eight points and igniting a stunning 22-0 run. That scoring spree marked the largest in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) for the franchise.
During that run, Mitchell knocked down two three-pointers, while James Harden (24 points, 11 assists) added a triple of his own. Evan Mobley (17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 5 blocks) and Jarrett Allen also contributed to the fireworks at Rocket Arena. Mitchell was unstoppable, scoring 21 points in the third quarter alone and finishing with 43 for the game. The Pistons were held scoreless for over six minutes during that stretch.
Paul Reed kept Detroit from being completely blown out in the third, scoring 13 points off the bench in nine minutes, cutting the deficit to 90-77 heading into the final quarter.
Cleveland came out strong to start the fourth, opening with an 8-0 run to build their largest lead of the series at 98-77. Mitchell again led the charge, hitting free throws to cap the surge. The Cavs maintained control, holding Pistons star Cade Cunningham to 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 turnovers. Caris LeVert provided a spark for Detroit with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough. Cleveland also dominated the free-throw line, attempting 34 shots (making 30) compared to just 12 for the Pistons (9 made).
The series now shifts back to Detroit for a pivotal Game 5.