Max Strus Catches Fire In Cavaliers Debut, Sets Franchise Record
The Cleveland Cavaliers knew what their weaknesses were after they were eliminated from the 2022 Playoffs after the first round. It was a priority to find a player or two that could help with three-point shooting and floor spacing.
Max Strus was deemed the answer to those issues as Cleveland signed him to a four-year deal.
Cavaliers fans got their first official look at what Strus would look like in this Cavaliers' offense as they took on the Brooklyn Nets in their season opener.
Oct 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Strus caught fire from behind the arc and finished with 27 points and shot 54 percent from three. His seven threes also set a new franchise record for a player making their Cavaliers debut. The previous record was held by J.R. Bremer who made six threes against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2023.
These numbers tied an NBA record for most three-pointers hit with a new team. Strus joins Lou Williams (HOU 2017), Danny Green (LAL 2019), Kyrie Irving (BKN 2019), P.J. Washington (CHA 2019), Malik Beasley (MIN 2020), and Patty Mills (BKN 2021).
Needless to say, this sort of production will be a game-changer for the Cavaliers. The driving lanes got clogged up for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell with no three-point threats on the floor. Forcing the defense to have a man on Strus will open everything for the rest of the offense.
Mitchell even touched on this effect on the game earlier this week comparing Strus' impact on the game to NBA legend Kyle Korver.
“For opposing defenses, continuously trying to find him and there I have a sneak drive, now I get into the paint, [defenders] collapse, now he's in the corner. He's pulling behind on screens, so now it's like do you go here or do you go there?"
This is exactly what happened on Wednesday night's game which led to a wine and gold winner to start the season.
