Donovan Mitchell's Historic Second-Half Performance Leads Cavaliers to Series Tie with Pistons
Donovan Mitchell scored 39 points in the second half, tying an NBA playoff record, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 112-103 to even their series at 2-2.
Donovan Mitchell delivered a record-tying performance in the second half, scoring 39 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. This win evens the Eastern Conference semifinal series at two games apiece.
Mitchell's 39-point second half matches the NBA playoff record set by Eric "Sleepy" Floyd in 1987. He finished the game with 43 points, five rebounds, and two assists. His scoring surge was pivotal in a 24-0 run that spanned from the final seconds of the second quarter into the third, transforming a 56-52 halftime deficit into a commanding lead.
James Harden contributed 24 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley added 17 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks for Cleveland. For Detroit, Caris LeVert led with 24 points off the bench, and Cade Cunningham added 19 points and six assists.
Reflecting on his first-half performance, Mitchell stated, "I apologized to the group... I came in and told the guys, it's on me. I tried to make a statement in the second half."
The series will continue with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday in Detroit.