The Cavs blew out Detroit 125-94 in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, and Ken declares the season a success regardless of what happens next against the Knicks. He points out that a team which started 17-16 with fans calling for trades and firings has now proven itself as one of the four best teams in the NBA, which is exactly what the James Harden trade was supposed to accomplish. Ken also raves about Dan Gilbert bussing Cavs fans to Game 7 in Detroit, which turned into an all-time experience when the Cavs took over the arena in the fourth quarter and won by 31. The one honest note Ken sounds heading into the series: the Knicks have been resting while Cleveland just survived a dogfight, and Game 1 might not go their way.
Ken Carman: The Cavs Making it the ECF Makes This Season a Win
Evan Mobley #4, James Harden #1 , Jarrett Allen #31 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via 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…
