Something or someone must have lit a fire underneath Donovan Mitchell at halftime of the Cleveland Cavaliersā 112-103 win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal clash. Mitchell, after scoring just four points in the first half, exploded for 39 points in the second half (21 in the third, 18 in the fourth) to lead the Cavs and power them to a rather comfortable victory in the end to even up the series at 2-2.
Mitchell seemed to be his own primary driving force, as he knew he had to be better if the Cavs were to avoid falling down a 3-1 hole in the series. But some reporters were wondering just how much of a part outside forces, including social media, played in Mitchellās bonkers second half. The Cavs star then said that he hasnāt checked Twitter (now X) in quite a long time.
āI havenāt been on Twitter for so long,ā Mitchell said in his postgame presser, via @HoodiGarland on X. āNah, I just told the guys, āHey, I wasnāt getting downhill like I had in Game 3.ā Sure, I scored a lot of points. But [Iām] just trying to find ways to get early offense.ā
Donovan Mitchell on if he went on Twitter during halftime before his historic second half:
"I haven't been on Twitter for so long." š pic.twitter.com/hU5nAAxu2V
ā Ā¹ā° (@HoodiGarland) May 12, 2026
There is no doubt that Xās popularity as a social media platform has fallen, and Mitchell, despite tweeting his signature ā#LetEmKnowā before every game he plays, is clearly not in charge of posting on his official account.
Given how locked in Mitchell must have been in Game 4, especially at the half, thereās no way he must have held his phone as the Cavs figured out how to come out of the gates strong in the second half.
Mitchell knows the responsibilities that come with being a superstar of his own team, and that includes showing up in the playoffs ā no ifs or buts. And he did just that in Game 4, and thatās exactly what he must do from here on out ā outside noise be damned.