Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 112-103 in Game 4 on Tuesday to even their second-round series at 2-2. [1, 2]
Mitchell scored 39 of his points after halftime, and Cleveland erased a four-point deficit at the break. [1, 2] The Cavaliers seized control with a long third-quarter surge out of the locker room, turning the game their way after trailing at halftime. [1, 2]
CBS Sports said Cleveland opened the second half with a 23-0 run, while ESPN reported a 24-0 burst after halftime. [1, 2] ESPN also said Mitchell tied the NBA playoff record with 39 second-half points and missed a free throw that would have broken it. [2] Mitchell joked after the game, “Everybody let me know that I missed the free throw to break the record though,” and added, “We're 2-2 headed to Detroit. That was what we came home to do and that's all that matters.” [2]
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. [2]
