Donovan Mitchell goes off for 39 points in second half as Cavaliers win Game 4 to even series with Pistons

Published: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 3:06 am

Mitchell's Explosive Second Half Propels Cavaliers to Victory, Series Tied

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell delivered a historic performance Monday night, scoring 39 points in the second half to lead his team to a 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The win evened the second-round playoff series at two games apiece.

Mitchell's second-half scoring outburst tied an NBA playoff record, matching Eric "Sleepy" Floyd's mark. He finished the game with a total of 43 points, including 15 during a crucial 24-0 run that spanned the end of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter. This run, the longest in an NBA playoff game since 2024, saw Cleveland overcome a four-point halftime deficit.

The Cavaliers' offense was efficient during the game, shooting 10 of 12 from the field at one point and converting five Pistons turnovers into nine points. James Harden contributed a double-double with 24 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley added 17 points, five blocked shots, and three steals.

Detroit's Caris LeVert led the Pistons with a season-high 24 points. Cade Cunningham scored 19 points, marking the first time this season he was held under 20 in a playoff game. Tobias Harris added 16 points for the Pistons.

The game saw early momentum swings. Cleveland started strong, taking a 16-5 lead, before Detroit responded with a 23-5 run. The Cavaliers ultimately secured their largest lead of 21 points in the fourth quarter. Game 5 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night in Detroit.

BNN's Perspective:

This series is shaping up to be a compelling contest. Mitchell's performance highlights the importance of individual brilliance in the playoffs, while the Pistons' resilience demonstrates their ability to compete. The series is now a best-of-three, and the next few games will be crucial in determining who advances.

Keywords: Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers, Pistons, NBA Playoffs, Scoring Record, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, Cade Cunningham, Basketball, Game 4, Series Tied, Second Half, Points, Victory

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