The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back in the second half to defeat the Detroit Pistons 112-103 in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday, evening the series at 2-2 and reigniting the drama.
The game swung dramatically. The Cavaliers struggled early, relying heavily on James Harden to keep them within striking distance with his outside shooting and playmaking. But everything changed after halftime, as Donovan Mitchell erupted to lead a stunning 22-0 run that flipped the lead and put Cleveland in control. Detroit fought back in the fourth quarter, forcing the Cavaliers’ starters back into the game, but the home team held on for the win.
Harden finished with 24 points on 5-of-14 shooting (5-of-9 from three), 11 assists, and 4 steals, anchoring the offense in the first half. Even longtime critic Skip Bayless, known for his harsh takes on Harden, acknowledged the performance. Bayless admitted he had backed the Pistons but said Mitchell’s explosion and the Cavaliers’ 22-0 run crushed Detroit’s hopes.
Mitchell, who scored just 4 points in the first half, apologized to his teammates at halftime for his lack of aggression. He vowed to come out strong in the second half, and he delivered, scoring at will to lead the comeback. The guard acknowledged that as the team’s top scorer, he must be aggressive to draw defensive attention and create opportunities for others.
Cavaliers big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley credited the team’s defensive intensity for the win. Allen said the team’s defense was dominant and fueled the offense. Mobley added that playing their style means applying constant pressure, pushing the pace, and sharing the ball. Mobley posted 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 5 blocks, while Allen contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
After four games, the Cavaliers appear to have found their winning formula: Mitchell as the primary scorer, Harden controlling the tempo, and the twin towers anchoring the paint. However, they still need to improve offensive consistency from the frontcourt and shore up defensive lapses to advance deeper in the playoffs.
