Donovan Mitchell went on a record-tying second-half scoring spree as the Cleveland Cavaliers bagged a series-levelling 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals on Monday.

Elsewhere, LeBron James said he will take time to consider his future after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by Oklahoma City in what could turn out to be the final game of his career.

In Cleveland, Mitchell erupted for 39 points in the second half before finishing with 43 points, while James Harden added 24 points as the Cavs knotted the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

It was the third consecutive game where Mitchell has scored 30 points or more, a run of form that has helped Cleveland climb out of a 0-2 hole to square the series.

Mitchell's 39-point display in the second half also tied the NBA record for most points in a single half of a postseason game, set by Golden State's Eric Floyd in 1987.

Mitchell said he had apologised to his teammates at the break after a lacklustre first-half performance.

"I was trying to set the tone on offence, and I didn't do that in the first half. I came in at half-time and told my guys, 'It's on me'," he said. "I tried to make a statement in the second half."

The series now heads back to Detroit for game five on Wednesday.

"They protected their home court and we did the same thing, so now we've got to go and get one," Mitchell said. "We've got to go and bring the same energy and intensity."

In Los Angeles, James, 41, delivered a typically defiant performance with 24 points and 12 rebounds but it was not enough to prevent the Lakers from falling 115-110 as the Thunder completed a 4-0 sweep in the Western Conference semi-finals series.

The four-time NBA champion is now out of contract with the Lakers and will head into the off season as a free agent with uncertainty swirling around his future.

Some reports have indicated James is ready to extend with the Lakers for what would be a 24th season in the NBA, while others have suggested that he may consider heading elsewhere or finally decide to retire from the sport.

James gave little away on Monday when quizzed about his plans following a loss in Los Angeles in front of a galaxy of courtside Hollywood stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Eddie Murphy.

"I don't know what the future holds for me," James said.

"Obviously as it stands right now, tonight, I've got a lot of time. I'll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, and spend some time with them, and then when the time comes, obviously you guys will know what I decide to do."

James said whether he continues could hinge on whether he felt committed to the grind of playing at the highest level.

While he contemplates his future, the reigning NBA champions Oklahoma City are looking ahead to a Western Conference finals showdown with either the San Antonio Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves for a place in the NBA finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder scorers with 35 points in game four. (AFP)
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Last updated: 2026-05-12 HKT 16:11



Edited by Edmond Fong