Donovan Mitchell’s explosive 39-point second-half outburst fueled a critical victory as the Cavs capitalized on a historic performance to even their series versus the Pistons.
It was a raucous night in Rocket Arena Monday night as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell lifted his club to a series-tying victory with a strong 43-point performance against the Detroit Pistons.
With sweeps occurring elsewhere in the second round of the NBA postseason this year, two series remain tied and guaranteed to go at least six games of action thanks to the Cavs and Minnesota Timberwolves finding ways to storm back against their opponents.
For more on what it took for the Cavaliers to blow by the Pistons, despite some last-minute concerns that forced the starters back on the floor, Cavaliers Roundtable writer Spencer Davies has more.
Mitchell tied the NBA playoff record for most points scored in a second half with an explosive 39-point outburst to help distance the Cavs in the closing quarters.
He shot 50% (13-of-26) from the floor including 33% from behind the arc while sinking 13 of his 15 free throw attempts, charting a plus-28 when on the floor, behind only forward Evan Mobley, who carted a plus-30 in 39 minutes of play.
The Cavaliers' 112-103 victory ties up the series, sending the bout back to Detroit with the Pistons reeling from two consecutive losses.
Detroit and the San Antonio Spurs will now each host a pivotal Game 5 with the hopes of reclaiming series leads after failing to take 3-1 leads to start off the week. Meanwhile the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks, who each swept their opponents, get to rest up ahead of the Conference Finals matchups.