Max Strus emphasized resilience and execution after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 117-113 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night.
“Resiliency, grit, took everything we had,” Strus said when asked what it took to close out the game. “Just possession by possession, just wearing down.”
Strus highlighted Cleveland’s late-game focus on defensive stops and rebounding as the foundation of the comeback. “Getting stops, getting rebounds, and then finding ways to score offensively,” he said.
The Cavaliers erased a nine-point deficit late in regulation and tied the game on Evan Mobley’s free throws before completing a 13-0 run that stretched into overtime. Strus pointed to that sequence as a defining stretch for the group.
Strus also addressed his defensive assignment pressure, including full-court work on Cade Cunningham. “Just trying to win the game. Whatever it takes. It’s that simple,” he said. “Just try to impact the game in any way possible.”
Offensively, Strus contributed 20 points and six made three-pointers, providing spacing alongside Donovan Mitchell’s 21 points and James Harden’s 30-point performance. Cleveland’s balance, according to Strus, helped stabilize the offense when shots were not falling.
Strus also echoed the team’s emphasis on adaptability within possessions. “Just try to help our team put our best foot forward to win,” he said.
He credited the Cavaliers’ supporting structure for stepping up in key moments when primary options were limited. “Just a team effort,” Strus said. “Tonight was one of those nights where we found something.”
The veteran wing also expanded on his evolving role as a two-way presence, stressing effort over statistics in a playoff setting. “Just trying to impact the game in any way possible,” he said.
Cleveland now leads the series 3-2 and returns home for Game 6, with a chance to close out the Pistons and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
