Cavalities level Eastern Conference semifinal series after Mitchell ties NBA playoff scoring record
Following a first half where the star guard scored only four points, Mitchell's historic performance in the second half of Game 4 ensures the series remains tied at 2-2 ahead of a road test in Detroit.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have levelled their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Detroit Pistons with a 112-103 victory, a result driven by guard Donovan Mitchell tying an NBA playoff record. In the second half of Game 4, Mitchell scored 39 points, matching the mark set by Eric "Sleepy" Floyd in 1987. The performance came after a first half where the All-Star guard managed only four points, leading to a dramatic turnaround that secured the win at Cleveland's home court.
Mitchell's second-half output included a franchise record 21 points in the third quarter, which helped the Cavaliers seize control of the game. During this surge, Cleveland outscored the Pistons 38-21, extending a 24-0 run that spanned from the final 12 seconds of the first half to the first six minutes of the third quarter. This spurt marked the longest such streak in a Cleveland postseason game since the 1997-98 season and the longest in an NBA playoff game since Minnesota achieved a similar feat in 2024.
Despite the record-breaking finish, Mitchell narrowly missed breaking the all-time mark, missing a free throw with 27.6 seconds remaining that would have secured 40 points in the half. He finished the contest with 43 points overall, shooting 12-of-18 from the field in the second half and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. The victory leaves the series tied at 2-2, with the next contest scheduled to take place in Detroit on Wednesday.
Earlier in the game, James Harden and Evan Mobley combined for 26 points in the first half to keep Cleveland competitive before Mitchell's scoring explosion. Pistons centre Paul Reed acknowledged the impact of the Cavaliers' star, noting that Mitchell was "killing" them during the contest. The Pistons will also be without guard Kevin Huerter for the remainder of the series due to a thigh injury, though he is expected to return on 13 May.
The win provides the Cavaliers with their first road playoff victory of the season and keeps their campaign alive for a potential appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. The franchise has not reached that stage since 2018, and a loss in Detroit would have eliminated them from contention. Mitchell, who has now scored at least 40 points in eight playoff games, four of which have been with Cleveland, expressed confidence in facing the hostile environment of the Motor City.
Cavalities coach Kenny Atkinson praised the team's resilience, highlighting the impressive nature of the turnaround from a struggling first half to a dominant second. Mitchell admitted his early struggles were natural but emphasised the importance of overall impact on the game rather than just scoring. With the series even at two games apiece, both teams are now focused on the upcoming road test in Detroit.
