Cavaliers’ Max Strus Hoping Playoff Experience Proves Valuable This Postseason

The Cleveland swingman was a key part of the Miami Heat’s run to the NBA Finals last year.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Max Strus in a sign-and-trade this past offseason, they knew they were getting more than just a veteran sharpshooter.

Entering this season, the 28-year-old had made 428 three-pointers in his first four NBA seasons, shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc.

But another aspect of Strus’ game that Cleveland added to its identity was his considerable playoff experience. He had played 43 games in the NBA Playoffs over the previous three postseasons, including starting all 23 games for the Miami Heat during their playoff run to the NBA Finals a year ago.

Now, Strus is set to embark on another postseason journey, this time with the Cavaliers.

During his media availability on Wednesday, the swingman described how he is hopeful that he can use his NBA Playoffs experience to help the Wine and Gold succeed this postseason.

“I hope my experience and my knowledge can help us make a long playoff run,” Strus said. “I’ve been through a lot, I’ve seen a lot, and experienced a lot. I hope I can keep a mental strength in the room and understand not to get too high, too low during the playoffs, and just try to help this team conquer our goals of advancing and making a long playoff run.”

Apr 14, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) dribbles in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Strus averaged 9.3 points per game and made 43 three-pointers during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, shooting 31.9% from three-point range. 

He then followed this performance with the best regular season of his career, averaging career-highs in points (12.2), rebounds (4.8), assists (4.0), steals (0.9), and blocks (0.4) per game for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland and its fans are hopeful that Strus’ strong play will continue when the team begins its best-of-seven First Round series against the Orlando Magic on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.