Cavs Level Series Behind Mitchell’s 43-Point Second-Half Surge
cavs-level-series-behind-mitchell-43-point-second-half-surge
CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell erupted for 43 points, including 21 in a decisive third quarter, pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Detroit Pistons 112-103 on Monday night and knotting their first-round series at 2-2.
Held to four points before halftime, Mitchell spearheaded a 22-0 burst to open the second half, transforming a close contest at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse into a controlled Cavaliers advantage. “The switch was we were playing with more pace,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He was getting to the open court. What an incredible performance.”
Backcourt partner James Harden added 24 points and 11 assists, giving Cleveland’s guards 67 points — their most productive outing of the postseason. Forward Evan Mobley contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and three steals while finishing plus-30.
Detroit stayed in range behind Caris LeVert’s 24 points off the bench, but its starters struggled. Cade Cunningham committed multiple turnovers, Jalen Duren faced foul trouble, and rookie Ausar Thompson was largely quiet.
The series shifts to Little Caesars Arena for Game 5 on Wednesday. “I think we made a stand with these two games,” Atkinson said. “We know it’s going to be tough there.”
Source: Hoops Wire
