Max Strus played the role of hero in multiple ways for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. But there was no moment bigger than his wild 59-foot game-winning three-pointer, which came immediately after P.J. Washington gave the Dallas Mavericks a 119–118 lead with 2.1 seconds remaining.
Cleveland initially took a three-point lead with 29.1 seconds left on a Donovan Mitchell three-pointer. But a Kyrie Irving bucket, followed by a turnover, gave Washington a chance to (almost) play hero for Dallas.
Until this happened.
HALFCOURT. GAME WINNER. MAX STRUS. #LETEMKNOW pic.twitter.com/HtfZ9RRNGL
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 28, 2024
Strus’s 59-footer hit nothing but net and sent the fanbase (rightfully) into a frenzy. It also set the internet ablaze, and even Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes was left stunned, tagging his top pass-catcher, friend and Ohio native Travis Kelce in response to the game-winner.
Ain’t no way 😂😂😂 @tkelce https://t.co/pKOifbRMSa
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 28, 2024
As incredible as Strus’s final shot was, his play over a 67-second span just minutes earlier is a key reason the Cavaliers were even in position to win the game. Trailing by 10 with 3:42 remaining, Strus hit four three-pointers to go on his own personal 12–3 run, cutting the Mavericks lead to 113-112 with 2:35 remaining.
Strus finished the night with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting (7-of-10 from beyond the arc) with four rebounds, four assists and two blocks over 26 minutes.
