Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4: live score updates, highlights, 2026 NBA playoffs 2nd round series

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May 12, 2026 - 00:57

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Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4: live score updates, highlights, 2026 NBA playoffs 2nd round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cavaliers bounced back in Game 3 making this a series. Had Detroit won Game 3, it would have been an insurmountable hill to climb. Especially considering how the Pistons have been playing in these playoffs.

As recently as May 8, fans seemed to be headed towards a Knicks vs Pistons Eastern Conference final. The Knicks swept the 76ers, but Cleveland could force a long series with a win tonight. A Cavs win would knot the series as two games apiece. Then it becomes a best of three series with Detroit still holding a home court advantage.

The key for Detroit comes down to only a few aspects and they will be in a good position for the remaining games. Do not allow Cleveland to shoot a respectable number from beyond the 3-point arc and continue to out rebound them. Detroit has a significant series edge in rebounding and Cleveland has not been able to change that. In the two games Cleveland lost, they shot over 30 three-point shot while shooting under 30%.

Cleveland needed a great game from Donovan Mitchell and timely plays down the stretch from James Harden just to win the game. While they won that game by 7, Detroit was within 2 with under a minute to play. Cleveland needs a full, good effort from their big four. Detroit just has to keep playing Detroit Basketball.

Pistons vs. Cavaliers live updates, highlights from NBA playoffs Game 4

2nd Quarter-8:49: Sam Merrill makes a 26-foot three-point shot.

2nd Quarter-9:11: Max Struss makes a 1-foot dunk.

2nd Quarter-9:57: Caris Levert makes a 16-foot fade away jumper.

2nd Quarter-10:15: Max Struss makes a 26-foot three-point shot.

2nd Quarter-10:46: Evan Mobley makes a 24-foot three-point shot.

2nd Quarter-11:03: Jalen Duren makes a driving layup.

2nd Quarter-11:43: Caris Levert makes a 6-foot floater.

The Detroit Pistons lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 24-21 after the first quarter

1st Quarter-1:03: Cade Cunningham makes a 16-foot shot.

1st Quarter-1:36: Caris Levert makes a 25-foot three-point shot.

1st Quarter-1:46: Dennis Schroder makes a running layup.

1st Quarter-2:31: Dennis Schroder draws a charge on Daniss Jenkins.

1st Quarter-4:05: Isaiah Stewart makes layup. DET takes their first lead since 3-2.

1st Quarter-5:19: Caris Levert makes a 26-foot three-point shot. Cleveland calls a timeout. Detroit has narrowed the 9-point lead to only a 3-point lead.

1st Quarter-5:40: Jalen Duren makes a layup.

1st Quarter-5:56: Evan Mobley makes a 9-foot shot.

1st Quarter-6:30: Due to early fouls, Cleveland will be in the bonus for the remainder of this half.

1st Quarter-6:49: Caris Levert makes a 15-foot pull up jumper.

1st Quarter-7:46: James Harden makes a 26-foot three-point shot. Detroit has committed five early turnovers.

That's @JHarden13's THIRD three of the night.

It's 5 minutes into the first quarter... #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/7bBQ6tD3jf— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 12, 2026

1st Quarter-9:16: James Harden makes a 24-foot three-point shot.

James Harden is cooking in Q1!

11 PTS
3 3PM

Cleveland leads by 9 in Game 4 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Rxy8GaCOHJ— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2026

1st Quarter-10:16: James Harden makes a 25-foot three-point shot.

1st Quarter-10:33: Cade Cunningham makes a 24-foot three-point shot.

1st Quarter-10:58: Jarrett Allen makes a driving layup.

Got a real dawg in the house tonight.@RocketOTD | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/ceDfJX5GXQ— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 12, 2026

Spida spends time with the fans ahead of Game 4 🖊️🥹

Cleveland looks to even the series at 2-2 tonight vs. Detroit!

🍿 Pistons/Cavs Game 4
📺 8pm/et on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/jFXhItwbL9— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2026