DETROIT – Caris LeVert delivered a strong offensive performance in Game 4 for the Detroit Pistons, but afterward said the key to slowing the Cleveland Cavaliers comes down to tightening up defensively and responding better under playoff pressure.
LeVert, a former Michigan Wolverines standout, said the Pistons allowed Donovan Mitchell too much freedom during Cleveland’s decisive third-quarter surge.
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“I think defensively we let Mitchell off the hook a little bit,” LeVert said. “Let him get to his right hand a little too much. Offensively, we just got to move the ball a little bit better, getting to our sets a little bit quicker.”
LeVert came off the bench and scored 24 points, 17 in the first half, adding four rebounds and three assists in the Pistons’ 112-103 loss to Cleveland.
Although he performed well individually, LeVert said Cleveland’s defensive pressure disrupted Detroit’s offense by picking up ball handlers full court and slowing the pace.
“They did a good job of picking Deuce (Cade Cunningham) up full court, kind of slowing our offense down,” LeVert said. “We just got to be better at combating that.”
LeVert finds rhythm, stays aggressive
Despite the loss, LeVert found an offensive rhythm early and stayed aggressive throughout the game.
“Just being aggressive, trusting my shots,” LeVert said. “I feel like I got into a flow early, which allowed me to kind of just be aggressive throughout the game.”
LeVert also showed emotion during a defensive sequence late in the first quarter when he forced Mitchell out of bounds — a moment that energized both teammates and fans.
“It’s playoffs,” LeVert said with a smile when asked about the exchange.
Defensive focus: Make Cleveland uncomfortable
Defensively, LeVert said the focus remains on making Cleveland’s scorers uncomfortable.
“Just trying to make it tough on those guys,” LeVert said. “I know how good they are, especially when they’re comfortable. So for us it’s all about making it super difficult for them.”
LeVert also acknowledged frustration with the free-throw disparity after Cleveland attempted significantly more foul shots.
“We feel like we’re aggressive offensively too,” LeVert said. “We feel like we drive to the paint. We didn’t get the call. We just got to play through it, especially on the road.”
As for slowing Mitchell after his explosive third quarter, LeVert said adjustments will come after reviewing film.
“Just make it tough on him, maybe send more bodies at him,” LeVert said. “We got to watch the film and see where we can be better.”
Series tied 2-2, Pistons return home
The series is now tied 2-2 heading back to Detroit, and LeVert emphasized the importance of protecting home court in Game 5.
“Every game is important,” he said. “You obviously want to learn through wins, but sometimes you got to learn through losses too.”
With the series shifting back to Detroit, LeVert kept the message simple.
“Next game is the most important game,” LeVert said. “Protect home.”