Ken makes his boldest declaration of the postseason, saying flat out that if the Cavs win Game 5 in Detroit tonight, the series is effectively over, because winning on the road would break through the psychological barrier that has haunted this team all postseason. Lima pushes back not out of pessimism but practicality, arguing these two teams are too evenly matched to make sweeping declarations, though he agrees the Cavs are the more talented team and should feel good about a best-of-three situation. The biggest X factor Ken keeps coming back to is James Harden, whose 24 points, 11 assists, and only 2 turnovers in Game 4 were just as important to the win as Mitchell's 39-point half, and who will need to replicate that performance in Detroit. Ken also gives Evan Mobley his flowers, saying Detroit has to be terrified going into tonight after watching him look like the Defensive Player of the Year for an entire game.
A Cavs Win Tonight Is a Series Win and Ken Is Betting the Farm
James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene weekday mornings is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima from 6-10a! The show guides you through…
