NBA: Donovan Mitchell's 39-point half lifts Cavs level with Pistons at 2-2

Donovan Mitchell scored an NBA playoff-record-tying 39 points in the second half and finished with 43 overall as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons 112-103 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday.

The win evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2. Cleveland erased a halftime deficit with a dominant 24-0 run spanning both halves, stunning the top-seeded Pistons and marking the longest scoring run in franchise playoff history.

Mitchell matched the record for most points in a half in playoff history, joining Golden State Warriors guard Eric “Sleepy” Floyd, who scored 39 in a half against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1987 Western Conference semifinals.

The seven-time All-Star struggled in the first half, scoring just four points on 1-of-8 shooting. After halftime, he erupted for 39 points in 17 minutes, hitting 12 of 18 field-goal attempts, 3 of 7 from three-point range, and 12 of 13 free throws.

“I apologized to the group at halftime,” Mitchell said postgame on NBC. “I tried to set the tone early, and I didn’t do that in the first half. I told my guys it was on me, but I wanted to make a statement in the second half.”

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Mitchell’s performance, saying, “Incredible second half from Donovan. When he gets into the open court, that’s when he’s at his best.”

Mitchell scored 21 points in the third quarter alone, helping Cleveland take control. Game 5 will be played Wednesday in Detroit.

James Harden added 24 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks for Cleveland, which remains undefeated at home in the postseason at 6-0.

For Detroit, Caris LeVert led the way with 24 points off the bench. Cade Cunningham finished with 19 points, six assists, and five turnovers. Tobias Harris added 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Paul Reed scored 15 points.

“Donovan Mitchell was killing us, and that’s pretty much it,” Reed said. “We’ve got to figure out the adjustments and come out with more urgency next game.”

Cleveland closed the first half on a dominant defensive stretch, holding Detroit scoreless for 6:34 after Harris scored with 31.1 seconds remaining, turning a 56-50 deficit into a 74-56 lead. Mitchell then opened the third quarter with the Cavaliers’ first eight points, extending their advantage for good.

“Not great execution on either end,” Harris said. “That third quarter was really disappointing. We have to respond better to the moment and bring more urgency every game in the playoffs.”

-Field Level Media/Reuters