Cavaliers level second-round series after Donovan Mitchell ties NBA playoff scoring record
The Cavaliers' victory in Game 4 on May 8, 2026, saw Donovan Mitchell become the first player in history to score 39 points in a single playoff half, while the team extended a historic 24-0 run to secure a 112-103 win.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have levelled their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons with a 112-103 victory on Monday night, a result propelled by Donovan Mitchell tying an NBA playoff record. Mitchell matched the mark set by Eric "Sleepy" Floyd in 1987 by scoring 39 points in the second half alone, finishing with 43 points overall. The game, played at Cleveland's home court, saw the series remain tied at two games apiece after the Pistons had held a narrow 56-52 lead at the break.
Cleveland's momentum shifted dramatically following the halftime interval, anchored by a 24-0 run that spanned the final 12 seconds of the first half and the first six minutes of the third quarter. This spurt was the longest such sequence in an NBA playoff game since Minnesota scored 24 straight points in Game 6 of their 2024 Western Conference semifinal against Denver. During this interval, Mitchell contributed 15 points, while the Cavaliers shot 10-of-12 from the field and converted five Pistons turnovers into nine points.
The statistical dominance of the Cavaliers was evident throughout the contest, with their largest lead reaching 21 points in the fourth quarter. Evan Mobley supported the offensive surge with 17 points, five blocked shots, and three steals, helping maintain Cleveland's unbeaten home record in six playoff games. The team's ability to control the tempo contrasted sharply with Detroit's early struggles, where the Pistons were 2-of-14 from the field and missed all eight three-point attempts during Cleveland's initial run.
For the Pistons, James Harden recorded his 40th career playoff double-double with 24 points and 11 assists, attempting to keep his side competitive. Caris LeVert scored a season-high 24 points, while Cade Cunningham managed 19 points, marking the first time he has been held under 20 in 11 playoff games this season. Tobias Harris added 16 points for Detroit, but these efforts were insufficient to overcome the Cavaliers' second-half explosion.
The match, which took place on May 8, 2026, as part of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference second-round series, highlights the volatility of playoff basketball. While Cleveland dominated the latter stages, the Pistons briefly countered with a 23-5 run early in the game, during which LeVert scored 10 points. Despite this brief resurgence, the Cavaliers' efficiency and Mitchell's historic performance ensured the series remains evenly matched heading into the next contest.
