CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell chased Detroit Pistons sharpshooter Duncan Robinson around screens to the baseline corner late in the second quarter. Mitchell beat Robinson to the spot and bumped him straight into his own bench as a punishment for making him work so hard defensively. Isaiah Stewart was a few steps away and gave Mitchell a light shove after seeing what happened. Mitchell looked up and then returned the favor before continuing to chase Robinson around the perimeter.
Cleveland, OH
10 Takeaways from Cavs Game 4 win over Pistons: Cleveland shows they can match Detroit’s physicality
Before the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 116-109 Game 3 win over the Pistons, head coach Kenny Atkinson said that he wanted his team to adapt to Detroit’s physicality and what the referees are allowing. Plays like that show what he meant.
Basketball games aren’t always won by the more physical team. It’s a contact sport that rewards size and strength, but the outcome is ultimately decided by who puts the ball through the hoop more consistently.
That said, in a series like this, doing so is much easier if you’re able to get into the paint and create from there.
The Cavs couldn’t do that in the first two games of this series. The offense was stagnant, often relying on the guards to create against a set defense. And when the ball did get kicked out to the perimeter for open threes, the shots weren’t falling, as is often the case for an offense that is moving side-to-side instead of north and south.
The Cavs were the aggressors in Game 3. They completed more of their shots in the restricted area and were able to get to the free-throw line more consistently. Both are things they weren’t able to do throughout the first two games of the series.
This was most true for Mitchell. He went 6-8 on shots at the rim after taking just one there combined in the first two games. A renewed focus on getting downhill woke up what was a dormant Cavs’ offense.
There was a level of decisiveness from Mitchell that wasn’t in the first two games. Instead of trying to probe the defense for openings in an effort to look for a perfect shot, he attacked whenever he had any sliver of daylight. This included pushing his advantage in semi-transition off missed shots and turnovers.
Here’s six baskets that Mitchell was able to get by just simply carrying his momentum from the backcourt into the front court. That accounts for nearly half of his made field goals.
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These aren’t fast-break or transition baskets, but they might as well have been from an efficiency standpoint. Mitchell is one of the most difficult players to stop when he has a head of steam. That allowed him to more easily showcase the skills that make him one of the most dominant scoring guards in the league for years.
Detroit’s defense is tough for a 6’2” guard to crack. We know that Mitchell can be lethal with his jumpshot, even though he’s struggled with that through three games. Getting downhill in semi-transition like this offsets some of those concerns. It’s why he was able to get an efficient 35 points in a game the Cavs desperately needed to win.
Max Strus provided several things the Cavs desperately needed. His energy and effort changed the game defensively. Strus forced several turnovers, including an incredible steal off a Cade Cunningham inbound pass that led to a critical two points the other way to break a 104-104 tie.
Plays like that encapsulate who Strus is as a player, and why he’s so valuable to the team.
“There’s just so many things he does that don’t show up in the box score,” Mitchell said.
One of those things is screen setting. The Pistons turned the momentum around in the second half by switching more ball screens, similar to what the Toronto Raptors did in the first round. This stalled out Cleveland’s offense at the start of the third quarter before it got going again in the fourth.
Strus’s ability to set hard picks helped get the offense going. The Pistons tried to hide their weakest defender, Duncan Robinson, on Strus. Solid screens forced Detroit to switch, allowing James Harden to get one of his several closing baskets against the matchup he wanted.
You can’t see the screen in this video, but this mismatch doesn’t happen without it.
This showed us what the best version of the Mitchell and Harden backcourt could be. Harden said it was a “small dose” of their full potential afterward, and you could see why.
Mitchell had it going throughout, but he deferred to Harden in the high-leverage moments to get the job done. Harden delivered by knocking down clutch baskets on three-straight possessions, including the game-sealing three over Tobias Harris.
Harden brought them over the finish line, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter, but had just 10 points leading up to it. He had 10 fewer shots than Mitchell overall and wans’t the main focus of the offense.
It’s a different role than what we’ve seen from Harden over the past decade, but one he’s completely embraced because he knows what life is like for Mitchell — the guy forced to carry the fate of the team on his shoulders.
“I talked to Don a few times today, and it’s like, “All right, if you ever feel like tired or you need [a break], you know, I’m available,” Harden said. “I understand what that feels like when you’re that age, and you’re used to scoring 30 points and you know you’re the guy. So, you got to pick and choose and find your spots where you want to take them and where you want to just let them go. … Tonight was one of those cases where he looked like he needed a break, and he called on my number.”
Mitchell and Harden are very different players, but have run into similar roadblocks during their careers. Their playing style has led to incredible regular-season success, but neither has achieved the playoff team success their talent would lead you to believe they should.
Few can relate to the internal weight and frustration Mitchell has felt from playoff losses more than Harden. If they’re going to break through together, it will be due to performances like this.
“I am who I am, he is who he is, but that what makes us so dynamic,” Mitchell said. “Having a trust in him and vice versa is why those moments happen.”
The Cavs passed the test in Game 3. They responded with the physicality they needed to make this series competitive again. They know how to and can beat this team. Now, they just need to show that they can meet that physicality consistently, and not just once every couple of games.
“At the end of the day, it’s just 2-1,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got to find a way to win Game 4. … We’ve got another opportunity to play in front of the greatest fans in the league. Hopefully, we get another one.”
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
CLEVELAND, OH, May 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, the event offers guests the opportunity to explore exceptional timepieces while connecting directly with brand representatives from Breitling, Cartier, TUDOR, Chopard, IWC, and Panerai.
The celebration begins Friday, June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with an evening of watches, whiskey, and hors d’oeuvres in a sophisticated atmosphere designed for collectors and newcomers alike.
Festivities continue Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring champagne and light bites while guests browse the newest luxury watch collections.
During the event, attendees who purchase any new watch from participating brands will receive a complimentary watch winder, adding even more value to the experience. In addition, every watch purchase automatically enters guests for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
Known for offering an elevated shopping experience in the Cleveland area, Alson Jewelers’ Luxury Watch Collection continues to showcase premier craftsmanship and timeless design from leading Swiss watchmakers. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by June 6 to reserve their place at this highly anticipated event.
About Alson Jewelers
With a legacy of excellence in fine jewelry and customer service, Alson Jewelers remains a premier destination for bridal and luxury jewelry. Family-owned and operated, Alson is known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to helping clients celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. The store offers an exceptional selection of designer engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry, along with expert jewelry and watch repair services. Fully equipped for custom design, Alson Jewelers works closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry pieces. Above all, Alson Jewelers prides itself on delivering a warm, personalized experience in their Cleveland jewelry store that makes every guest feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers might be at the point of doing whatever it takes to contend for a NBA championship next season, even at the expense of some of their young stars.
After their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs need to consider anything and everything when it comes to trading away players to bring in more help for next season.
Obviously, Cleveland would love to retain as many of their stars as possible, especially the likes of Evan Mobley. New details from Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, gives more insight into how the Cavs view Mobley’s future as of now.
Here’s what Koby Altman shared with the media regarding Evan Mobley.
Koby Altman praises Mobley for what he’s done in Cleveland
“Evan Mobley? Yeah, I mean he’s a part of our future.”
This is what Cavs fans were hoping to hear, especially with the recent talks about potential league altering trades involving Mobley.
“We’re not going to speculate on any players outside these walls. All I can tell you is since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third best record in the league.
There is no arguing Altman’s points on Mobley, considering Cleveland has had a winning record and made either the play-in tournament or the playoffs in each of Mobley’s first five seasons.
Their winning percentage ranks amongst the league’s best as well since the 2021-22 season, much thanks to Mobley’s dominance as their big man of the future alongside veteran Jarrett Allen.
Mobley would go on to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season, becoming the franchise’s first player to win the award as well as the fifth youngest in league history at just 23 years old.
Altman would go on to say, “all Evan has done is impact winning. He’s been remarkable for us in terms of our ascent. He knows he needs to get better.”
What this means for Evan Mobley going forward
Mobley has most certainly helped Cleveland finish each season near the top of the Eastern Conference and has continued to get better every year. However, fans and media have criticized his aggressiveness as a big man, urging him to be more physical with his size.
Standing at 6 foot 11 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Mobley ranks amongst the league’s tallest centers while showcasing dynamic abilities as both a ball handler and a shooter. His averages this past season include 18.2 points, nine rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game were some of his best stats in his career.
Mobley sits among some of the NBA’s best centers in regard to his defense, as he is one of four players to have at least 300 blocks and 150 steals, next to Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Rudy Gobert. He has continued to build on those impressive stats as he keeps working to get better.
If the Cavs want to bet on Mobley being a true franchise player for the foreseeable future, they’ll need those numbers to increase next season. They’ll also need Mobley to show that defensive presence again that earned him DPOY honors two seasons ago.
In Mobley’s case, his 5-year, $224 million extension two summers ago keeps him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. Unfortunately, the NBA is a business, and at the end of the day, teams will do whatever they can to build a championship contending roster.
Based on Altman’s high praise, it would seem like Mobley is safe as a Cavalier. Don’t rule out the possibility of a trade if a team comes calling with an offer Cleveland can’t refuse.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Supreme Court made a ruling Friday in connection with the murder conviction of the driver that killed Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick.
According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court had sufficient evidence to convict Leander Bissell of felony murder for speeding through an accident scene.
Cleveland Firefighter Tetrick, 51, was killed on Nov. 19, 2022.
Bissell struck Firefighter Tetrick on I-90 East near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then fled the scene. Bissell was arrested later that evening.
Firefighter Tetrick was assisting with a rollover crash, when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.
In July 2023, Bissell had a bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy McCormick and was found guilty on all charges, including, murder.
In August 2023, Bissell was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 16 years.
In November 2024, the Eighth District Court of Appeals overturned the murder conviction, finding the State failed to prove that Bissell acted “knowingly.”
The court of appeals found Bissell guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which would impose a sentence of only up to 11 years.
The state then appealed that decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.
“This is a victory for Firefighter Tetrick’s family and Ohio’s first responders. Firefighter Tetrick died while serving the public after Leander Bissell sped through a clearly marked accident scene, traversed the berm striking Tetrick, and fled. As the Ohio Supreme Court states, ‘The Eighth District’s reasoning is wrong.’ Thankfully, their decision today corrected that wrong,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley.
Thousands of people attended Firefighter Tetrick’s funeral on Nov. 26, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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