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The Cleveland Cavaliers badly needed to get a win from the Orlando Magic in Game 5 as it seemed like the two teams are evenly matched on paper. In fact, the game finished with a paper-thin margin that it took role players stepping up to help the Cavaliers grab the 3-2 series lead.
Marcus Morris is the toast of the town among the Cavaliers for his heroics from the bench, but he isn’t the only player who made big plays for The Land. Max Strus also put up a superb performance that helped the Cavaliers get the win.
It’s not an understatement to say that Strus’ shooting was vital for Cavs as their opponents were matching every shot their key players were making. He proved to be the difference maker for the team, and his coach is more than happy to have him in his corner.
JB Bickerstaff praises Max Strus’ Game 5 performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Strus finished the game with a solid 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He was all over the floor for the Cavs, and his contributions helped keep Paol Banchero from single-handedly wrenching the control of the series to his side.
Strus made the most impact from the three-point line. He converted four of his 10 three-point attempts, which proved to be vital as the Cavs couldn’t contain Banchero from scoring whenever he wanted.
JB Bickerstaff understands how important the DePaul product has been for his team’s success and praised him for his efforts.
Per ClutchPoints’ Evan Dammarell:
“Max is a winner,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. He plays the game purely to win, to compete at the highest level, and to try to win every single possession he’s on the floor.
“He’s a selfless dude who wants his teammates to come with him. He’s trying his best to make the right basketball plays all the time because he knows that elevates his teammates. We’re fortunate to have him, especially in these moments.”
The 28-year-old has been a reliable source of scoring and defense for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 0.9 steals a game.
While his three-point shooting in the postseason has been at any abysmal 25.9%, this game should become the start of a hot shooting streak for him to help the Cavs close the game in six.
More must-reads:
- Gritty young Thunder take down veteran Mavericks in Game 4
- Anthony Edwards explains why he 'can't be mad' about Game 5 loss
- The 'No. 1 overall NBA draft pick' quiz
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