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.
He’d continue to elevate the offense, recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists by the four-minute mark of the third quarter. The Beard was in full control tonight.
Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 5 blocks
Mobley isn’t an elite offensive hub, but he’s better than he gets credit for. He’s done a fine job of converting his opportunities in this series, scoring at an efficient rate when handling in the pick-and-roll and creating for others.
“Donovan’s gonna get all the flowers tonight, but Evan deserves just as many,” said Kenny Atkinson. “It seemed like he was swatting everything, maybe the best I’ve seen him defensively, and that’s saying something,”
On the other side of the floor, he’s played a role in shutting down Jalen Duren and crushing the Pistons in the paint. Eight stocks speak for themselves. Mobley was everywhere, and Detroit had no solution.
Grade: A+
Jarrett Allen
9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks
Rocket Arena was chanting ‘Jarrett Allen’ during the 23-0 Cavalanche. That happened just moments before Allen crushed a two-handed dunk. I’m not sure if life gets any better than that.
Good vibes aside, Allen has handled all of the physicality thrown at him this series. He’s battled with Duren and come out victorious more often than not. If he continues to meet the moment, this will be a narrative-reversing postseason for Allen (if it isn’t already).
Grade: A-
Dean Wade
0 points, 5 rebounds
Wade, to some chagrin, stayed in the starting lineup tonight. And for the first time in this series, that lineup won its opening minutes. This was mainly because of Harden, but it was an important stretch that has defined the first few games of this matchup. Wade is valuable when the Cavaliers’ offense is able to withstand him being on the floor.
“I thought Wade took his defense to another level,” said Kenny Atkinson after the game.
Grade: B-
Max Strus
5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Strus has forced some of the most impactful turnovers I can recall in this series. His Game 3 heroics speak for themselves, but tonight, he forced an eight-second violation on Cade Cunningham at a pivotal junction of the night. His intensity has helped the Cavs form an identity that’s worthy of standing the tests of a difficult playoff series.
Grade: B+
Jaylon Tyson
1 point, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Tyson only played 8 minutes as this just wasn’t his night. He’s struggled to find his range as a three-point shooter in the playoffs and will need to rediscover his touch before earning any more minutes.
Grade: D
Dennis Schroder
7 points, 2 rebounds
Schroder finished as a minus-15. But this is why we always say plus/minus can be wonky. Schroder felt much more impactful, at least to me. His bursts to the rim remain helpful, and he shot 3-4 from the floor.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
6 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound
Merrill nailed his first two three-point attempts and had Rocket Arena going crazy. He went 0-6 from the floor the rest of the way.
Still, Merrill’s off-ball activity opens gaps for the Cavs offense to attack. He’s a positive for this reason.
Grade: C+
