The Cleveland Cavaliers took over the second half on Monday to beat the Detroit Pistons 112-103 and tie the series 2-2.
TOP NEWS
As is a growing theme in this postseason, the first season was largely a warm-up period for both offenses. James Harden came out hot for Cleveland, but Donovan Mitchell came out ice cold at the same time.
After 12 minutes of defense, Detroit led 24-21.
The second quarter saw both sides finally find a groove on the offensive side of the ball. As the Pistons got downhill and created looks at the rim, the Cavaliers were letting it fly from beyond the arc.
Neither side created a major advantage and the Pistons led by four at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Cavaliers go on a record-setting 23-0 run to take full control, the largest playoff scoring run in franchise history.
Mitchell in particular was lethal, putting up 21 points in just seven third-quarter minutes.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers led by 13 and had all the momentum. The Pistons did their best to make a comeback down the stretch, but they weren’t able to make it close.
Mitchell finished the game with 43 points and five rebounds on 13-of-26 shooting while Harden put up 24 points, 11 assists and three steals.
For the Pistons, Caris LeVert had a breakout game with 24 points and four rebounds as Cade Cunningham had 19 points and six assists.
The series now heads back to Detroit tied 2-2.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
