Cavs ignite behind Donovan Mitchell, and now, it’s a series

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell went from quiet to takeover in a hurry. The Cavaliers followed.

Four points in the first half. Then 21 in the third quarter alone. That was the burst that carried the Cavs to a 112-103 win and pulled them even with the Pistons at two games apiece.

Cleveland came out of the locker room like a different team. A 22-0 run to open the second half turned a tight game into control. Mitchell was at the center of it, attacking, pulling up, getting downhill.

“The switch was we were playing with more pace,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said. “… (Mitchell) was getting to the open court. What an incredible performance. What a shift.”

James Harden also matched the moment with a fast start on his way to 24 points and 11 assists. The backcourt combined for 67 points, their best showing of the postseason and exactly what the Cavs needed with their season tilting.

Evan Mobley (17 points, eight rebounds) did the rest. Five blocks. Three steals. A plus-30. He protected the rim, switched onto guards and cleaned up everything in between.

Detroit had chances. Caris LeVert scored 24 off the bench. The top guys never found a rhythm. Cade Cunningham battled turnovers, Jalen Duren was limited, and Ausar Thompson struggled to impact the game.

Now it shifts back to Detroit for Game 5 on Wednesday. New series. New pressure.

“I think we made a stand with these two games,” Atkinson said. “That gives you a little confidence. We know it’s gonna be tough there.”

But yes, it’s a series again. And the Cavs seemingly have their edge back.