Spida Unleashed: Mitchell Saves the Cavs
The Eastern Conference Semifinals are officially a best-of-three. The Cleveland Cavaliers defended their home court on Monday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons 112-103 to tie the series at 2-2.
A Second Half for the History Books
Donovan Mitchell put on one of the greatest individual performances in playoff history, finishing with 43 points. Most incredibly, 39 of those points came in the second half, tying an NBA playoff record for the most points in a single half. Mitchell was unconscious from beyond the arc, hitting 8 three-pointers to stall every Pistons rally.
James Harden provided the perfect secondary punch, contributing 24 points and 11 assists, while orchestrating the offense to ensure Mitchell got the looks he needed.
Pistons Struggle in the Clutch
Despite Cade Cunningham’s steady play, the Pistons lacked the late-game defensive stops required to contain Mitchell. Detroit's youth showed in the final four minutes, as a series of turnovers allowed Cleveland to pull away.
Series Outlook: Game 5 returns to Detroit on Wednesday.
