Donovan Mitchell experienced a playoff performance for the ages Monday night—but it didn't start that way. In fact, the Cleveland Cavaliers' All-Star guard had his worst first half since joining the team in 2022, scoring just four points. Then, he flipped the script in spectacular fashion.

Mitchell erupted for 39 points in the second half, tying the NBA playoff record for most points in a half, as the Cavaliers stormed back to defeat the Detroit Pistons 112-103 in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The record was previously set by Eric "Sleepy" Floyd in 1987. Mitchell had a chance to break it with a free throw late in the game but missed his second attempt.

"It's pretty impressive. I'm not sure I've seen in the playoffs a turnaround like that," said Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson. "A guy who is struggling just absolutely turns the switch and does the complete opposite of the first half."

Mitchell didn't score until he made a free throw with 4:19 left in the second quarter. He missed his first six shots before finally hitting a 3-pointer just before halftime. Despite his early struggles, the Cavaliers trailed only 56-52 at the break, thanks to strong first-half performances from James Harden and Evan Mobley, who combined for 26 points.

"I airballed the first layup and was missing shots short," Mitchell said. "Sometimes it's natural, right? I wasn't trying to force it. I just doubled down on defense and tried to take whoever I was guarding out of the equation."

With the series now tied 2-2, the Cavaliers head to Detroit looking to build on this momentum. For fans who love the game, this kind of resilience is exactly what makes playoff basketball unforgettable. And for those looking to rep their favorite stars, a Mitchell jersey or Cavaliers gear is the perfect way to celebrate this historic performance.