Donovan Mitchell exploded for 21 points in the third quarter and 39 in the second half, tying an NBA playoff record set by Sleepy Floyd in 1987. The star guard finished Game 4 with 43 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal on 13-of-26 shooting, leading the Cavaliers to a 112-103 victory over the Pistons and tying the series at 2-2.
The pivotal Game 5 will be played in Detroit, but momentum has clearly shifted toward Cleveland.
The Eastern Conference Finals are opening up for the Cavaliers, and they are seizing the opportunity.
James Harden has silenced critics over the past two games. In Game 3, he scored 19 points with 7 assists on 8-of-14 shooting, and in Game 4, he posted a double-double with 24 points and 11 assists on 14-of-25 shooting. His clutch performances in critical moments of Game 3, including back-to-back isolation buckets, brought back flashes of his Houston Rockets days and sealed the win for his team.
Meanwhile, in the highly anticipated blockbuster series, the Lakers showed tremendous fight in Game 4, trailing just 49-45 at halftime against the Thunder. LeBron James rolled his right ankle after stepping on Jaxson Hayes’ foot late in the second quarter and limped to the locker room, but he returned for the second half, determined to play alongside his teammates until the very end, knowing he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Lakers dominated the third quarter 39-31 to take the lead, as every player gave their all to avoid a sweep on home court.
However, the defending champion Thunder proved too strong. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and dished out 8 assists, while Mike Muscala added 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists as Oklahoma City secured a 115-110 victory, sweeping the Lakers 4-0. The Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals to await the winner of the Spurs-Wolves series, which is tied 2-2.
Lakers stats: LeBron James finished with 24 points and 12 boards; Rui Hachimura added 25 points and 5 rebounds; Austin Reaves contributed 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 8 steals.
Thunder stats: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 35 points and 8 assists; Mike Muscala recorded 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Thank you, LeBron. This may have been his final game in a Lakers uniform after seven seasons. At 41, he has already achieved legendary status—the “longest river in NBA history” is well-deserved.
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