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 by defeating 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 managed only 4 points in the first half, with his first basket coming midway through the second quarter. He quickly broke out of that slump to start the third quarter, scoring 8 points and forcing a Detroit timeout just 90 seconds into the half. The Cavs then went on a dominant 23-0 run, with Mitchell’s shot-making leading the charge. He kept pouring it on until the Pistons finally folded, setting an NBA record with 39 points in the second half for one of his best performances ever—arguably his finest.
Grade: A+++
**James Harden**
24 points, 11 assists, 4 steals, 2 turnovers
Harden put the Cavs ahead early with his scoring, hitting a pair of threes and netting 11 of Cleveland’s first 14 points. He continued 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 complete 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 many give him credit for. He has done a fine job converting opportunities in this series, scoring efficiently when handling 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 defense, he helped shut down Jalen Duren and dominated the paint. Eight stocks speak for themselves. Mobley was everywhere, and Detroit had no answer.
Grade: A+
**Jarrett Allen**
9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks
Rocket Arena was chanting “Jarrett Allen” during the 23-0 run, just moments before Allen threw down a two-handed dunk. Good vibes aside, Allen has handled all the physicality thrown at him this series, battling Duren and coming out on top more often than not. If he continues to meet the moment, this postseason could be a narrative-changer for Allen.
Grade: A-
**Dean Wade**
0 points, 5 rebounds
Wade, to some fans’ dismay, remained in the starting lineup tonight. For the first time in the series, that lineup won its opening minutes—largely thanks to Harden, but it was an important stretch that has defined the early games. Wade is valuable when the Cavs’ offense can survive with him 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 in this series. His Game 3 heroics speak for themselves, but tonight he forced an eight-second violation on Cade Cunningham at a crucial moment. His intensity has helped the Cavs build an identity that can withstand a tough playoff series.
Grade: B+
**Jaylon Tyson**
1 point, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Tyson played only 8 minutes as this just wasn’t his night. He has struggled to find his range as a three-point shooter in the playoffs and will need to rediscover his touch before earning more minutes.
Grade: D
**Dennis Schroder**
7 points, 2 rebounds
Schroder finished as a minus-15, but plus/minus can be misleading. He felt much more impactful, with his bursts to the rim still 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, sending Rocket Arena into a frenzy, but went 0-6 from the floor the rest of the way. Still, his off-ball activity opens gaps for the Cavs’ offense, making him a positive presence.
Grade: C+