Donovan Mitchell ties NBA playoff record in Cavaliers win over Pistons
Donovan Mitchell tied an NBA playoff record by scoring 39 points in the second half as the Cleveland Cavaliers levelled their Eastern Conference semi-final with a 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
The spectacular performance saw the All-Star guard match a long-standing postseason benchmark established by Eric “Sleepy” Floyd in 1987.
He missed a late free throw with 27 seconds remaining that would have broken the historic record outright.
Mitchell eventually finished the contest with a game-high 43 points to ensure the host team remained unbeaten on home court throughout these playoffs.
Historic scoring surge transforms game
His individual brilliance sparked a phenomenal 24-0 run that stretched across the end of the first half and deep into the third quarter.
The sensational scoring burst erased a 56-52 halftime deficit and completely transformed the momentum of the tie.
This remarkable stretch was the longest consecutive scoring run by the franchise in any postseason game since play-by-play statistics were first recorded.
Supporting cast delivers for Cleveland
James Harden provided crucial support by registering his 40th career playoff double-double with 24 points and 11 assists.
Evan Mobley anchored the defence with five blocked shots and three steals while contributing 17 points to the pivotal victory.
The home side shot superbly during their dominant stretch, converting 10 of 12 field goal attempts and capitalising ruthlessly on opposition turnovers.
Pistons face critical home test
Caris LeVert led the resistance for the visitors with a season-high 24 points during a combative performance.
However, talisman Cade Cunningham was restricted to just 19 points, marking the first time he has been held under the 20-point threshold in 11 playoff appearances this year.
Tobias Harris added 16 points for the away side, who must now regroup quickly to regain control.
The matchup returns to Michigan on Wednesday night with the series finely poised at two games apiece.