The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to have found their missing puzzle piece in Max Strus, who’s stepped up brilliantly alongside their core four starters.
Game 3 of their opening playoff series against the Miami Heat showcased Strus at his best, delivering a performance that pushed the Cavaliers to the brink of a sweep against his former team.
With Miami’s back against the wall, Strus helped Cleveland dominate in a lopsided 124-87 victory.
Star guard Donovan Mitchell didn’t hold back praise for his teammate after the game.
“That’s championship basketball,” Mitchell said. “That’s who Max Strus is. That’s what he brings to us. Everybody looks at him as a shooter. He does so much for us. He does it all for us.”
Facing his former teammates, Strus didn’t just stir the pot – he backed it up with substance, posting 18 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and adding five assists.
While he completes a starting lineup built for long-term success, his contributions sometimes fly under the radar despite their importance.
Cleveland Cavaliers fans have rightfully celebrated the bench contributions from Ty Jerome and Hunter, alongside valuable minutes from Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, and Sam Merrill.
Yet it’s worth noting that Jerome and Hunter maintain their reserve roles largely because Strus has cemented his starting position by providing exactly what the team needed.
Just a couple of seasons ago, Strus played a significant role in the Miami Heat’s impressive Finals run.
Now in Game 3, he nearly delivered a knockout blow to his former team’s postseason hopes.
Throughout the first three playoff contests, Strus has maintained his efficiency, averaging 13.7 points while shooting 53.8% from the field and connecting on half of his three-point attempts.
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