The Cavaliers evened the series against the Pistons in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA playoffs, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 39 points in the second half, tying an NBA record. The game featured a dramatic turnaround after a competitive first half.
Key points
Cavaliers even series against Pistons in Game 4
Donovan Mitchell scored 39 points in the second half
Mitchell tied an NBA record for most points in a half
Game 4 in Cleveland was the age old "tale of two halves". In the first half this was a highly competitive game, but very atypical from expectation. Cade Cunningham only had 12 points and was not one of the top two scorers for Detroit. Similarly, Donovan Mitchell finished the first half with only four points. Mitchell was also 1 of 8 from the field and 1 of 5 from three.
James Harden took the lead in the first half with 15 points, 6 assists, 2 steals and shooting 50% from the three-point line. Mitchell was noticeably off in the first half. At halftime, Mitchell entered the locker room and told his team, "I told my guys this is on me". When asked after the game how he tied an NBA record in the second half Mitchell said, "I tried to make a statement in the second half."
The second half was a very different story. The would start the second half by going on a 24-0 run (video showing each score on that run, found below). Mitchell would go onto to score 39 points in the second half tying the record set by Sleepy Floyd of the in 1987.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4?
The final score of the Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4 has not been provided in the excerpt.
How did Donovan Mitchell perform in the second half of Game 4?
Donovan Mitchell scored 39 points in the second half, tying an NBA record for most points in a half.
What record did Donovan Mitchell tie during the game?
Donovan Mitchell tied the NBA record for most points in a half, previously set by Sleepy Floyd in 1987.
What significant run did the Cavaliers have in the second half?
The Cavaliers went on a 24-0 run to start the second half of the game.
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The series shifts back to Detroit with the series knotted at two games. That game will broadcast on ESPN but a start time has not yet been released.
While Cleveland did not relinquish control of this game in the second half, it is not debilitating for the Pistons. Detroit led this game in FG%, 3P% and rebounds. That is usually a recipe for success. The Pistons just did not have an answer for Mitchell in the second half.
Pistons vs. Cavaliers live updates, highlights from NBA playoffs Game 4
4th Quarter-5:19: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot. He now has 34 points on the game and a personal career high for points scored in a playoff game.
4th Quarter-6:56: Cade Cunningham makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
4th Quarter-7:39: Jalen Duren makes a driving dunk.
4th Quarter-8:20: Cade Cunningham makes a 17-foot floater.
4th Quarter-8:38: Donovan Mitchell hits two free throws, putting over the 30 point mark for the 36th time in the playoffs. Moving him into a three-way tie for 17th most in NBA history along side Allen Iverson and Kawhi Leonard.
4th Quarter-8:47: Cade Cunningham makes a driving layup.
4th Quarter-9:58: Donovan Mitchell makes a 5-foot driving floater.
4th Quarter-10:41: Donovan Mitchell makes a running layup.
4th Quarter-11:08: Evan Mobley makes a layup.
Team Stats after 3 Quarters
DET
CLE
FG
32-61
28-57
Field Goal %
52
49
3PT
8-16
13-33
Three Point %
50
39
FT
5-8
21-24
Free Throw %
63
88
Rebounds
24
21
Offensive Rebounds
7
6
Defensive Rebounds
17
15
Assists
17
20
Steals
6
10
Blocks
1
7
Total Turnovers
16
10
Points Conceded Off Turnovers
22
14
Fast Break Points
5
4
Points in Paint
36
24
Fouls
20
10
Technical Fouls
0
0
Flagrant Fouls
0
0
Largest Lead
7
18
Percent Led
42
50
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Detroit Pistons 90-77 after three quarters.
3rd Quarter-0:01: Paul Reed makes a tip shot.
3rd Quarter-0:09:Duncan Robinson fouls James Harden on his shooting elbow behind the three-point line. Harden made all three free throws. James Harden has a double double before the end of the 3rd. 24 points and 11 assists.
3rd Quarter-0:32: Paul Reed makes a layup.
3rd Quarter-1:31: James Harden makes a 24-foot three-point shot.
3rd Quarter-1:42: Duncan Robinson makes a 24-foot three-point shot.
3rd Quarter-2:40: Paul Reed makes a 1-foot reverse layup.
3rd Quarter-3:43: Paul Reed makes a 5-foot shot.
3rd Quarter-4:13: Caris Levert makes a driving layup.
3rd Quarter-4:45: Donovan Mitchell makes a 7-foot floater.
3rd Quarter-5:33: Paul Reed makes a 27-foot three-point shot.
3rd Quarter-5:57: DET get on the board and halts the scoreless run. Paul Reed makes a 1-foot driving dunk.
3rd Quarter-6:14: Donovan Mitchell makes a 14-foot turnaround jumper. This is the largest run
3rd Quarter-6:53:Jarrett Allen makes a driving dunk. Cleveland is on their largest 'run' in team playoff history. 21-0 to start the second half.
3rd Quarter-7:28: Jarrett Allen blocks Daniss Jenkins' 5-foot shot.
3rd Quarter-7:55: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
3rd Quarter: 8:16: Evan Mobley steals Cade Cunningham's pass. James Harden makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
3rd Quarter-8:43: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot. CLE is on a 13-0 run.
3rd Quarter-9:53: Jarrett Allen makes a layup.
3rd Quarter-10:28: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
3rd Quarter-10:52: Donovan Mitchell makes an 8-foot driving floater. Fouled on the play. Made the extra free throw.
2nd Quarter-5:45: Caris Levert makes a 2-foot running jumper.
2nd Quarter-6:24:Dennis Schroder makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
2nd Quarter-6:44: Cade Cunningham makes a running layup. Fouled on the play. He made the extra free throw.
2nd Quarter-7:27: Jalen Duren makes an alley oop dunk.
2nd Quarter-8:04:Sam Merrill makes a 26-foot three-point shot.
2nd Quarter-8:35: Ausar Thompson makes a layup.
2nd Quarter-8:49: Sam Merrill makes a 26-foot three-point shot.
2nd Quarter-9:11: Max Struss makes a 1-foot dunk.
2nd Quarter-9:57: Caris Levert makes a 16-foot fade away jumper.
2nd Quarter-10:15: Max Struss makes a 26-foot three-point shot.
2nd Quarter-10:46: Evan Mobley makes a 24-foot three-point shot.
2nd Quarter-11:03: Jalen Duren makes a driving layup.
2nd Quarter-11:43: Caris Levert makes a 6-foot floater.
The Detroit Pistons lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 24-21 after the first quarter
1st Quarter-1:03: Cade Cunningham makes a 16-foot shot.
1st Quarter-1:36: Caris Levert makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
1st Quarter-1:46: Dennis Schroder makes a running layup.
1st Quarter-2:31: Dennis Schroder draws a charge on Daniss Jenkins.
1st Quarter-4:05: Isaiah Stewart makes layup. DET takes their first lead since 3-2.
1st Quarter-5:19: Caris Levert makes a 26-foot three-point shot. Cleveland calls a timeout. Detroit has narrowed the 9-point lead to only a 3-point lead.
1st Quarter-5:40: Jalen Duren makes a layup.
1st Quarter-5:56: Evan Mobley makes a 9-foot shot.
1st Quarter-6:30: Due to early fouls, Cleveland will be in the bonus for the remainder of this half.
1st Quarter-6:49: Caris Levert makes a 15-foot pull up jumper.
1st Quarter-7:46: James Harden makes a 26-foot three-point shot. Detroit has committed five early turnovers.
1st Quarter-9:16: James Harden makes a 24-foot three-point shot.
1st Quarter-10:16: James Harden makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
1st Quarter-10:33: Cade Cunningham makes a 24-foot three-point shot.
1st Quarter-10:58: Jarrett Allen makes a driving layup.
How to Watch Game 4 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Detroit Pistons (2-1) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2)
