James Harden haters? Max Strus as Zeus? Cavs tales from the edge of the East finals

DETROIT — The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the brink of something special.Donovan Mitchell has never been out of the second round in eight previous tries. Cleveland hasn’t done it without LeBron James on the roster since 1992.After beating the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime Wednesday, the Cavs’ first road win of the 2026 playoffs, a win Friday at home punches those tickets.Here are a few quick stories about how the Cavs got here and why they might take that last step.