Donovan Mitchell Scores 43 In Second Half As Cavaliers Tie Pistons Series

The NBA playoffs produced a dramatic night as Oklahoma City completed a sweep and Cleveland levelled a series. The Thunder edged the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 to move into the Western Conference finals at 8-0. The Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 112-103, pulling their Eastern conference semifinal to 2-2.

Both contests swung in the second half, with decisive scoring bursts and late defensive stands. Donovan Mitchell matched an NBA playoff record with 39 points after the break in Cleveland. In Los Angeles, Chet Holmgren’s go-ahead dunk in the final minute shifted a tense Game 4 towards Oklahoma City.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander guided the Thunder with 35 points and eight assists against the Lakers. Ajay Mitchell supported with 28 points as Oklahoma City handled late pressure. The defending champions became the first team since the 2017 Warriors and Cavaliers to open a postseason 8-0, underlining their strong title defence.

The Lakers carried an 84-80 lead into the fourth quarter, marking Oklahoma City’s first final-period deficit these playoffs. The Thunder stayed patient and chipped away. With 33 seconds left, Holmgren climbed above defenders for a standing dunk that put Oklahoma City ahead for good in a tight finish.

Los Angeles still had chances in the closing moments but failed to convert. LeBron James missed a running floater on the next possession, forcing the Lakers into foul mode. Down three with 10 seconds remaining, Austin Reaves attempted a deep three-pointer from the wing, yet the shot went left.

Holmgren closed with 16 points and nine rebounds, providing interior presence at both ends. Jared McCain came off the Oklahoma City bench and contributed 13 points, adding scoring depth. Reaves led the Lakers with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but also committed eight turnovers that hurt key possessions.

James produced 24 points and 12 rebounds as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer reached another offseason. James now enters unrestricted free agency at 41 years old, leaving his future unresolved. The franchise must also consider its wider direction after falling in the second round despite leading late in Game 4.

Cavaliers ride Mitchell surge in NBA playoffs comeback

Cleveland’s win over Detroit hinged on Mitchell’s huge second half after a slow opening. Mitchell missed the first six field-goal attempts and had only one point with three minutes left in the second quarter. By the buzzer, Mitchell had 43 points, marking an eighth career playoff game with at least 40.

The pivotal stretch arrived either side of half-time. Cleveland ended the second quarter with a basket, then opened the third on a 22-0 burst. That made a 24-0 combined run that flipped the contest. Mitchell sparked the surge and consistently attacked the Pistons defence once shots began to fall.

Mitchell tied Eric Sleepy Floyd’s 1987 record for the most points in a single playoff half. After the interval, Mitchell shot 12-of-18 and poured in 39 points. Detroit struggled to contain drives and step-back attempts, while Cleveland repeatedly capitalised on momentum during that dominant third-quarter period.

The Cavaliers’ response followed a rough start to the series. Cleveland had dropped both opening games in Detroit by double figures. Two straight wins at home now shift pressure back onto the East’s top seed. Game 5 returns to Detroit on Wednesday with the series reset and confidence restored for Cleveland.

Evan Mobley offered all-round production for the Cavaliers, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Mobley also added three steals and five blocks, disrupting Pistons drives. Caris LeVert delivered 24 points from the bench to lead Detroit in scoring, giving important offensive support in defeat.

The Pistons shot above 50 percent from the field yet still fell short due to errors. Detroit turned the ball over 20 times, which allowed Cleveland extra possessions and fast-break chances. Cade Cunningham recorded 19 points and six assists but could not offset those costly giveaways in a game decided by runs.

The night leaves Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals and Cleveland alive in the East. The Thunder carry perfect form into the next round, while the Cavaliers have erased an early deficit. Detroit and Los Angeles now enter the offseason facing major questions about rosters, direction and star futures.