Donovan Mitchell put on a show for the ages, scoring 39 points in the second half to tie an NBA playoff record and lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crucial 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons, evening their series at 2-2.

The game was a true tale of two halves. Mitchell struggled mightily in the first half, managing just four points on 1-of-8 shooting. Meanwhile, James Harden kept Cleveland within striking distance with 15 points and six assists in the opening two quarters. But when the third quarter began, Mitchell transformed into a completely different player.

After scoring just four points in the first half, Mitchell erupted for eight points in the first two minutes of the third quarter alone. He would go on to score 21 points in the period on a scorching 8-of-9 shooting. That explosive start sparked a stunning 24-0 Cavaliers run over a 6:03 stretch, turning a four-point halftime deficit into an 18-point lead. The game was effectively decided right there.

Mitchell's 39-point second half tied Eric "Sleepy" Floyd for the most points in a half during the play-by-play era, a feat he sealed with a free throw with 27.6 seconds remaining. He finished the night with 43 total points. Harden added 24 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley chipped in 17 points for Cleveland.

For the Pistons, it was a rough outing for the starting unit. Cade Cunningham managed 19 points on 16 shots with four turnovers, Jalen Duren scored just eight points, and Tobias Harris needed 17 shots to get to 16 points. Detroit's bench provided some punch, with Caris LeVert scoring 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting and Paul Reed adding 15 points on 7-of-9 from the floor, but it wasn't enough to overcome Mitchell's historic half.

The series now shifts to Detroit for a critical Game 5 on Wednesday. Cleveland has been a perfect 6-0 at home in these playoffs but is winless on the road at 0-5, making this a must-win for the Cavaliers if they want to keep their momentum alive.