Player Grades: Cavs vs Pistons Game 4 – Cleveland ties the series

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Dennis Schroder #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers tied the series, beating the Detroit Pistons in Game 4.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. Donovan Mitchell 43 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists , 1 steal, 1 turnover Mitchell only scored 4 points in the first half. His first bucket came midway through the second quarter.

He’d immediately break out of that shell to start the third quarter, scoring 8 points and forcing a Detroit timeout only 90 seconds into the second half. The run didn’t stop there. The Cavs broke out into a Cavalanche-worthy 23-0 run, and Mitchell’s shot-making led the way.

He poured it on until the Pistons finally rolled over, scoring an NBA record 39 points in the second half for one of his best performances to date. Maybe even his best. Grade: A+++ James Harden 24 points, 11 assists, 4 steals, 2 turnovers Harden put the Cavs in front early with his scoring, nailing a pair of triples and netting 11 of Cleveland’s first 14 points.