CLEVELAND — After a rough showing in Detroit, the Cavaliers had a chance to even the series at home.
The Cavs dropped Games 1 and 2 at Little Caesars Arena before winning Game 3 at Rocket Arena. In Game 4 on Monday, May 11, the Cavs went on a wild 22-0 run to start the third quarter en route to a 112-103 win to even the series 2-2.
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Here are Cavs-Pistons Game 4 instant reactions from Beacon Journal writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to Game Four against the Detroit Pistons in 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)
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to Game Four against the Detroit Pistons in 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)
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; T-shirts line the seats prior to game four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) warms up before game four between the Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) warms up before game four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cavs vs Pistons Game 4: Ryan Lewis’ instant reaction
Whatever was said in the Cavs locker room at halftime, it was the right speech (or collection of speeches).
That must have been the best six-minute stretch of Cavs basketball this year, and potentially in a long, long time to torch the No. 1 seed for a 22-0 run and even the series.
James Harden was not great through the first nine games of this Cleveland playoff run, but he was fantastic in Game 4, and he was instrumental in the Game 3 win as well. Since the final minute of Game 3, Harden has been the best offensive player on the floor for either side, a stark contrast to how he looked in Toronto or in Detroit.
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Jarrett Allen having his name chanted by the home crowd was well deserved. And for the Cavs, they can give a sigh of relief that Donovan Mitchell has finally turned into Donovan Mitchell. It was only a matter of time before he went nuclear. In this one, he poured in 40-plus points after having zero midway through the second quarter.
On a neutral court, these two teams might be evenly matched to a high degree. Now the Cavs have to prove that they can do this away from Rocket Arena.
Cavs vs Pistons Game 4: Nate Ulrich’s instant reaction
How did the Cavs answer Pistons guard Caris LeVert‘s first-half heroics? With a legendary run to start the third quarter.
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LeVert is dealing with a right heel contusion, which caused him to be listed as questionable to face his former Cavs team in Game 4.
Unfortunately for the Cavs, LeVert played through the injury and torched them. A Columbus native, LeVert scored 17 points off the bench in the first half and finished with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field (3-of-6 on 3-pointers).
The Cavs acquired LeVert through a trade with the Indiana Pacers in 2022. He spent parts of four seasons with Cleveland until the franchise traded him, forward Georges Niang and draft picks to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for wing De’Andre Hunter in 2025. Of course, the Cavs shipped Hunter to the Sacramento Kings ahead of this year’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, receiving guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in return.
LeVert is a good player, but he performed like an All-NBA player in the first half of Game 4. The Pistons led 56-52 at halftime.
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Meanwhile, All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell had just four points for the Cavs on 1-of-8 shooting from the field through the first two quarters.
Then order was restored to the basketball universe in the third quarter. Mitchell must have stolen LeVert’s Wheaties at halftime because Mitchell opened the second half by making his first five field goals, including two 3s, and scoring 15 points amid Cleveland’s stunning 22-0 run.
Mitchell finished with 43 points on 13-of-26 shooting from the field (4-of-12 on 3s).
Now here’s the big question: Can the Cavs actually win a road playoff game?
Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich cover the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. The Beacon Journal sports department can be reached at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers-Pistons instant reactions. Cavs even series with huge run