Max Strus has become a key piece for the Cleveland Cavaliers off the bench in the postseason after missing time until mid-March with a foot injury.
He delivered 24 points in Game 1 on Saturday and played close to 27 minutes in Game 2 on Monday.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com details Strus’ extended recovery following surgery for a Jones fracture, noting there was uncertainty about whether the veteran wing would return in time to contribute meaningful minutes this spring.
Although the Cavaliers initially projected Strus as their starting small forward entering the season, Dean Wade has taken over that role in the playoffs.
Wade is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and is primarily valued for his defense.
His impact on that end has helped Cleveland limit Raptors leading scorer Brandon Ingram through the first two games, as Joe Vardon of The Athletic reports.
Ingram finished with just seven points on 3-of-15 shooting on Monday, prompting Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell to credit Wade’s impact.
“I know he only had three points, but his impact is extremely high outside of just the scoring,” Mitchell said.
Central Notes: Giannis, Strus, Wade, Walker, Pacers https://t.co/ah8kBXUYKf pic.twitter.com/UnrLhfrQwG
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 21, 2026
