Cleveland Oh. – While there was much hoopla about Luka Doncic in town with Kyrie Irving, at the end of the night, Max Strus was the one getting all the praise! Strus hit a 60-footer to win the game for the Cavs 121-119. It was the second longest buzzer beater in NBA history. After the game, all the praise went to Strus. Coach JB Bickerstaff talked about how Strus gave the Cavs a lift when they were down and looking like they would be headed for their third loss in the last four.
It was Strus who hit 4 straight threes to bring the Cavs back. After some trading buckets, it was down to the final seconds. After Luka made a no-look pass to PJ Washington, the Cavs had 2.5 seconds to win the game. With no timeouts they had to go the length of the court. No Problem! Strus inbounded to Evan Mobley, who then gave it back, Strus took a dribble, and the rest is history!
MAX STRUS WINNER AT THE BUZZER!!! pic.twitter.com/8JQ2yHKZBM
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) February 28, 2024
“Long way from D2!”
Strus said after the game that this isn’t the first time he’s hit a shot like that. He hit one at the D2 college he went to before DePaul, Lewis College. To which Donovan Mitchell responded, “You’re a long way from D2 NOW!” It’s true too. Strus has been one of the Cavs most consistent players. He’s played every game this season. And the toughness and grit he brings night in and night out is contagious.
Max Strus with an incredible moment to remember as he wins the game against Dallas with a buzzer-beater from beyond half court.
He simply could not miss down the stretch and scored 15 points in less than four minutes to win it!
Chills! #LetEmKnow | @SerenaWinters pic.twitter.com/mW9tThTQRz
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) February 28, 2024
The Mavs were led by Luka and Kyrie who had incredible games. Luka finished with 45 points, 14 assists and 9 boards, while Kyrie finished with 30 points and 6 boards. The Mavs seemingly had an answer for everyone not named Max Strus. Donovan Mitchell finished with 31 and was clutch in the fourth quarter buuuuuut…. Max Strus hit 5 of his 7 threes in the fourth. Really for the first three quarters it was a Luka Doncic and Kyrie show. But in the end, Max Strus was the one to spoil the Mavs night.
The Cavs look to continue their winning ways as they travel to Chicago to play the Bulls on the second night of a back-to-back.
Photo: Courtesy of Cleveland Cavaliers
Jayson Richardson
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