Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points, including 39 in the second half, to power the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference playoff series on May 12 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Mitchell scored a team-record 21 points in the third quarter, sparking a 22-0 run that overturned the Cavaliers’ deficit [1, 2, 3, 5, 6]. His 39 points in the second half tied Eric Floyd’s 1987 NBA playoff single half scoring record, though Mitchell missed a crucial free throw that would have set a new record [3, 5, 6, 7].

James Harden also contributed significantly, scoring 24 points and dishing out 11 assists for the Cavaliers [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. On Detroit’s side, Caris LeVert scored 24 points and Cade Cunningham added 19 points [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. After the game, Mitchell said, "I have always said that whether I score 40, 20, or 15, the focus is on the team winning the game. The opponent’s defense was indeed very good on May 13, blocking my drives, and I missed some shots. But I don’t dwell on missed chances or turnovers. When the team needs me, I’m ready. I don’t carry the entire team alone. Tonight everyone saw the power of the collective." [8]

The victory evened the series at 2-2 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The next day, May 13, Game 5 took place in Detroit, where the Cavaliers secured a 117-113 overtime win to take a 3-2 series lead [9, 8, 10, 11, 12]. Harden scored a career playoff best 30 points, along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists, becoming the oldest Cavalier to score 30 in a playoff game at age 36 [10, 11, 12]. He said, "I’m proud of our team. Winning on the road now is good timing as we look to close out the series." [12]

Mitchell, who had a slower shooting night, delivered 7 crucial points in overtime to help seal the victory [9, 8, 10, 11]. Despite Cade Cunningham’s 39 points for Detroit, the Pistons lost again [9, 10, 11]. Harden added that "this game was a great opportunity for us, and we seized it especially on defense, creating many open three-point and easy layup chances." [7]

The Cavaliers have won all 6 of their home playoff games in this postseason so far [3, 5, 6]. Game 6 is scheduled next at Cleveland, where the Pistons will try to force a Game 7.