Let this sink in for a second. Cleveland Cavaliers wing Max Strus entered the fourth quarter of Tuesday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks with 5:06 remaining in the final stanza.
Cleveland found itself down by six points with Mavericks star Luka Doncic putting up an epic performance for the road team.
That’s when the lesser-known Strus put up one of the greatest five-minute stretches of the season. He hit five three-pointers within the final 3:42 of the fourth quarter, including four in a 67-second stretch.
If that weren’t enough, Strus also put up one of the greatest game winners you’ll ever see.
Dallas found itself up 119-118 with 2.1 seconds remaining after P.J. Washington scored on a dish from Luka Doncic. Without a timeout, Cleveland had to go the length of the court. That’s when Strus nailed a 58-foot game winner from beyond halfcourt as time expired. You won’t believe it until you see it.
What in the world did we just witness? This wasn’t one of those desperation heaves. Strus lined it up as he was in motion, and hit nothing but the bottom of the net.
Strus finished the game with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting from three-point range. His effort wasted a brilliant game from Doncic, who went for 45 points and 14 assists in Dallas’ latest loss.
- Max Strus stats (2023-24): 12.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 33% 3-point
It’s not like Strus has been an absolute scrub for Cleveland this season. However, his three-point dominance in the latter stages defies a 33% mark from distance heading into Tuesday night’s game.
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NBA world reacts to Max Strus stunning game-winner for Cleveland Cavaliers
Those on hand in Cleveland or catching the game at the confines of their homes had nothing but great reactions to Strus’ unbelievable game-winning 58-foot heave. The reactions were almost as geat as the shot itself.