10 Takeaways from Cavs Game 4 win over Pistons: Cleveland shows they can match Detroit’s physicality

TL;DR

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-109 in Game 4, showcasing their ability to match Detroit's physicality. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 35 points, demonstrating a more aggressive offensive strategy compared to previous games.

Key points

Cavaliers won Game 4 against Pistons 116-109
Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points
Cavs adapted to match Pistons' physicality
Improved offensive strategy led to more scoring opportunities
Max Strus made significant defensive contributions

Cleveland CavaliersDetroit PistonsDonovan MitchellMax Strus

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 9: Donovan Mitchell #45 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk after the game against the Detroit Pistons on May 9, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell chased Detroit Pistons sharpshooter Duncan Robinson around screens to the baseline corner late in the second quarter. Mitchell beat Robinson to the spot and bumped him straight into his own bench as a punishment for making him work so hard defensively. Isaiah Stewart was a few steps away and gave Mitchell a light shove after seeing what happened. Mitchell looked up and then returned the favor before continuing to chase Robinson around the perimeter. Before the ’ win over the Pistons, head coach Kenny Atkinson said that he wanted his team to . Plays like that show what he meant. **Basketball games aren’t always won by the more physical team**. It’s a contact sport that rewards size and strength, but the outcome is ultimately decided by who puts the ball through the hoop more consistently. That said, in a series like this, doing so is much easier if you’re able to get into the paint and create from there. The Cavs couldn’t do that in the first two games of this series. The offense was stagnant, often relying on the guards to create against a set defense. And when the ball did get kicked out to the perimeter for open threes, the shots weren’t falling, as is often the case for an offense that is moving side-to-side instead of north and south. That changed on Sunday. **The Cavs were the aggressors in Game 3**. They completed more of their shots in the restricted area and were able to get to the free-throw line more consistently. Both are things they weren’t able to do throughout the first two games of the series. **This was most true for Mitchell**. He went 6-8 on shots at the rim after taking just one there combined in the first two games. A renewed focus on getting downhill woke up what was a dormant Cavs’ offense. **There was a level of decisiveness from Mitchell that wasn’t in the first two games**. Instead of trying to probe the defense for openings in an effort to look for a perfect shot, he attacked whenever he had any sliver of daylight. This included pushing his advantage in semi-transition off missed shots and turnovers. Here’s six baskets that Mitchell was able to get by just simply carrying his momentum from the backcourt into the front court. That accounts for nearly half of his made field goals.

Q&A

What was the final score of the Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 4?

The final score was 116-109 in favor of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

How did Donovan Mitchell perform in Game 4 against the Pistons?

Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points, showing a more aggressive offensive approach than in earlier games.

What changes did the Cavaliers make in their strategy for Game 4?

The Cavaliers focused on being more aggressive, getting into the paint, and creating scoring opportunities, which improved their offensive efficiency.

Who contributed defensively for the Cavaliers in Game 4?

Max Strus played a key role defensively, forcing turnovers and providing energy that helped shift the momentum in the game.