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may 12 2026CLEVELAND. The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back in the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeating the Detroit Pistons 112-103 to tie the NBA playoff series 2-2. Donovan Mitchell delivered a historic performance with 43 points, including 39 in the second half, tying the record for most points scored in a playoff game's second half.
Cleveland's star matched the mark set by Eric "Sleepy" Floyd in 1987 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Mitchell even had the chance to claim the record outright after receiving two free throws with 27.6 seconds remaining, but missed the second shot.
Beyond the individual record, Donovan Mitchell completely transformed a game that appeared to be slipping away for the Cavaliers before halftime. The Detroit Pistons led 56-52 at the break and had continued to punish Cleveland's offensive struggles throughout much of the first half.
James Harden came out aggressive for Cleveland and scored 11 points in the first quarter, including three three-pointers, helping the Cavaliers build an early 16-5 lead.
However, Detroit responded immediately. The Michigan team went on a 23-5 run led by a strong Caris LeVert, who finished with 24 points, his best scoring output of the season. During that stretch, the Pistons shot with tremendous efficiency and capitalized on Cleveland's offensive collapse, which included eight consecutive missed three-pointers.
Cade Cunningham, closely guarded all night, finished with 19 points and failed to reach 20 for the first time in these NBA playoffs. Tobias Harris added 16 points for a Pistons team that appeared to be controlling the game's pace once again.
Everything changed completely just before halftime.
The Cleveland Cavaliers closed out the first half with a basket and continued after the break with an absolute onslaught led by Donovan Mitchell. The Ohio team put together a spectacular 24-0 run between the end of the second quarter and the first six minutes of the third, the longest streak in an NBA playoff game since 2024 and also Cleveland's best postseason run on record.
Mitchell was completely unstoppable during that stretch, scoring 15 points within the run that completely broke open the game. Cleveland shot an extraordinary 10 of 12 during that span, added three three-pointers, and also converted five Detroit turnovers into nine points.
The home defense also elevated significantly. Evan Mobley was instrumental on both ends of the floor with 17 points, five blocks, and three steals, constantly dominating near the rim and making Detroit's penetrations extremely difficult.
The Pistons tried to respond in the fourth quarter, but the Cavaliers controlled the game with much greater authority. Donovan Mitchell continued to punish from all positions and the lead reached 21 points in the final stretch.
Detroit never stopped competing, but the physical toll and Mitchell's offensive explosion ultimately proved too much for a team that had arrived in Cleveland with a 2-1 series lead and the opportunity to essentially clinch the series.
James Harden also completed his 40th playoff double-double with 24 points and 11 assists, delivering another important performance for the veteran point guard following criticism he received early in the series.
With this victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers maintain their undefeated home record in these NBA playoffs, now with six consecutive wins at home. The series returns to Detroit for a decisive Game 5 with everything wide open.
