Cavaliers' Max Strus Reaches LeBron James Territory vs. Pacers in Game 3

Max Strus' standout Game 3 performance in Cleveland's win over the Pacers hit a franchise mark unseen since LeBron James.

May 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Max Strus, a player known more for grit than headlines, delivered a performance tonight Cleveland fans will remember. In the key Game 3 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Strus became the first Cleveland Cavalier since LeBron James to record at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in a playoff game while shooting 65% or better from the field:

Strus scored 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds and handed out seven assists on 8-of-12 shooting, helping lead Cleveland to a 126-104 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. With the win, the Cavaliers trimmed Indiana’s series lead to 2-1.

Strus finished with an impressive plus-32 rating in 33 minutes on the night. He also became the sixth player in Cleveland Cavaliers playoff history to record at least 20 points scored, five rebounds and five assists while not committing a turnover during the game.

Entering Friday’s matchup, the Cavaliers faced a challenging situation, trailing the Pacers 0-2 after losing the first two games at home. Game 3 placed immense pressure on Cleveland to avoid a virtually insurmountable 0-3 deficit.

Cleveland dominated the second quarter of Game 3, outscoring Indiana 34-13 to take control of the contest. Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell also continued to dominate, leading all scorers with 43 points.

Strus, currently in his second year with the team, has often been the unsung hero. Tonight, his poise and efficiency—shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range—steadied the Cavaliers during a must-win game.

It's a big win, but it's just one. We can't get too high, can't get too low," Strus stated.

The Pacers, who stunned Cleveland with a game-winning three-pointer in Game 2, struggled to match the Cavaliers’ energy in Game 3. "We just did our job," Strus said after the victory:

The Cavaliers will look to do their job and even the series in Game 4 on Sunday night in Indianapolis.

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