Detroit’s Second-Half Collapse Lets Cavaliers Even Series at 2-2
The Detroit Pistons walked into Rocket Arena looking to take full control of this second-round series. For a quarter and a half, it looked like they might do exactly that. But a disastrous stretch coming out of halftime changed everything, as the Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back for a 112-103 win in Game 4, evening the series at 2-2.
Detroit didn’t get off to the cleanest start. Cleveland came out aggressive defensively, forcing early turnovers while James Harden knocked down shots from deep to help spark an early 10-0 Cavaliers run. The Pistons also had to deal with early foul trouble, as Ausar Thompson picked up two quick fouls and headed to the bench.
That’s when Caris LeVert changed the energy.
LeVert came off the bench and immediately gave Detroit life, scoring quickly and helping fuel a 14-2 Pistons run that completely flipped the momentum. By the end of the opening quarter, Detroit had weathered Cleveland’s early punch and carried a 24-21 lead.
The second quarter turned into a grind. Both teams played physical, playoff-style defense, but turnovers continued to haunt Detroit. Cleveland began finding its rhythm from beyond the arc and chipped away at the Pistons’ lead possession by possession. Still, Detroit held strong enough to take a 56-52 advantage into halftime, with LeVert leading the way offensively.
Then came the third quarter.
What started as an 8-0 Cavaliers burst quickly turned into complete chaos for Detroit. Missed shots, live-ball turnovers, rushed possessions, and defensive breakdowns opened the door for Cleveland—and the Cavaliers kicked it wide open.
Led by Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland ripped off a devastating 24-0 run, completely changing the complexion of the game and the building. Rocket Arena erupted as Detroit suddenly found itself down double digits and searching for answers.
Paul Reed finally stopped the bleeding with an important basket, while LeVert continued to attack and keep the Pistons within striking distance. But by the end of the third, Detroit trailed 90-77.
The Pistons fought in the fourth. The bench brought energy. Defensive pressure forced Cleveland to reinsert its starters. But every time Detroit threatened, Mitchell had an answer.
Mitchell controlled the closing minutes, getting to his spots, drawing contact, and delivering clutch buckets to keep Detroit at arm’s length. Despite a late push from the Pistons, the comeback never fully materialized.
LeVert finished with a huge 24-point effort off the bench, doing everything possible to keep Detroit alive, but it wasn’t enough as Cleveland closed out the 112-103 victory.
Now the series shifts back to Detroit, tied at two games apiece.
Game 5 at Little Caesars Arena suddenly feels like the biggest game of the season and if the Pistons want to regain control, they’ll need the version of themselves that dominated early in this series.
Not the one that disappeared for 24 straight points.
