Donovan Mitchell scores 39 second-half points to tie an NBA playoff record

Donovan Mitchell delivered a performance for the ages on Monday night, scoring 39 of his 43 points in the second half to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons. 

Photo: ESPN

The win levels the Eastern Conference Semifinals at 2-2, shifting the momentum back to Cleveland as the series returns to Detroit.

Mitchell’s second-half explosion tied the long-standing NBA playoff record for points in a single half, a mark set by Eric “Sleepy” Floyd in 1987. After a lackluster first half where he managed only four points, "Spida" Mitchell came out of the locker room inspired. He fueled a devastating 23-0 run to start the third quarter, a stretch that completely demoralized a Pistons squad that had led 56-52 at the break.

Supporting Mitchell's historic night, James Harden secured a crucial double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Evan Mobley anchored the defense with five blocks and 17 points. For Detroit, Caris LeVert led the scoring with 24 points, but the Pistons struggled to contain Cleveland’s transition offense during the decisive third-quarter surge.

"It’s not just about scoring; it’s about setting the tone," Mitchell said post-game. "I didn't do that in the first half, so I had to send a message." With the series now a best-of-three, Game 5 on Wednesday in Detroit looms as a pivotal crossroads for both franchises.