Mitchell Explodes for 39 Second-Half Points as Cavaliers Rally Past Pistons to Even Series.

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell delivered one of the greatest second-half performances in NBA playoff history Monday night, pouring in 39 points after halftime to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-103 comeback victory over the Detroit Pistons and tie their second-round series at two games apiece. Mitchell finished with 43 points overall and matched an NBA postseason record for points scored in a second half, equaling the mark set by Eric “Sleepy” Floyd in 1987 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Mitchell had an opportunity to claim the record outright in the closing seconds but missed the second of two free throws with 27.6 seconds remaining. Trailing 56-52 at halftime, Cleveland completely shifted the momentum with a stunning 24-0 run that stretched from the final moments of the second quarter into the opening six minutes of the third. Mitchell spearheaded the surge with 15 points during the burst as the Cavaliers seized control of the game. The Cavs were nearly flawless during the decisive stretch, shooting 10-for-12 from the field while knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Cleveland also capitalized on Detroit’s mistakes, turning five Pistons turnovers into nine points. The 24 consecutive points marked the longest scoring run in an NBA playoff game since Minnesota accomplished the feat against Denver during the 2024 Western Conference semifinals. It also stood as Cleveland’s longest postseason run since detailed play-by-play records began in the 1997-98 season.

James Harden added 24 points and 11 assists for Cleveland, recording his 40th career playoff double-double. Evan Mobley contributed 17 points along with five blocks and three steals as the Cavaliers improved to 6-0 at home this postseason. Detroit received a strong effort from Caris LeVert, who scored a season-high 24 points off the bench. Cade Cunningham finished with 19 points, snapping his streak of playoff games with at least 20 points, while Tobias Harris chipped in 16. Cleveland appeared sharp early, jumping to a 16-5 lead behind 11 first-quarter points from Harden, including three 3-pointers. But the Pistons answered with a dominant 23-5 run fueled by LeVert’s hot shooting, briefly taking command as Cleveland struggled offensively and missed its first eight attempts from long range.

The Cavaliers eventually regrouped behind Mitchell’s explosive second half and pushed their lead to as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter before closing out the win.

Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Detroit.