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Mitchell's record-tying 2nd half evens East semis

ESPN · May 12, 2026, 4:09 AM · Also reported by 1 other source

Key takeaways

  • CLEVELAND -- Donovan Mitchell tied an NBA playoff record with 39 points in the second half, and the Cleveland Cavaliers evened their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons with a 112-103 victory Monday night.
  • Mitchell matched the mark of Eric "Sleepy" Floyd on a free throw with 27.6 seconds remaining.
  • Mitchell finished with 43 points, including 15 during Cleveland's 24-0 run that extended from the last 12 seconds of the first half through the first six minutes of the third quarter.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

CLEVELAND -- Donovan Mitchell tied an NBA playoff record with 39 points in the second half, and the Cleveland Cavaliers evened their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons with a 112-103 victory Monday night.

Mitchell matched the mark of Eric "Sleepy" Floyd on a free throw with 27.6 seconds remaining. He had a chance to break the record, set in 1987 against the Los Angeles Lakers, but missed his second foul shot.

Mitchell finished with 43 points, including 15 during Cleveland's 24-0 run that extended from the last 12 seconds of the first half through the first six minutes of the third quarter. Cleveland trailed 56-52 at halftime before taking control.

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