Despite the absences of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the Riders are riding a great dynamic, with four victories in five matches, and the last of them was obtained in Chicago, a team that has been in good shape since the beginning of December.
A meeting that Max Strus had visibly checked off his calendar, finishing with 26 points and 7 assists on the clock (despite a 5/17 3-pointer). Him, the kid from Illinois, who studied there in high school then at university, and who also briefly wore the colors of the Bulls in 2019…
“ It's always very special » does he deliver regarding travel to Chicago. “ Since I grew up around here and went to games [au United Center], I get chills every time the starting five are introduced. I dreamed of playing in this venue when I was little, so it's always special when I come back here. »
Extra motivation in front of his family
Motivated by this return home, where he played in front of his loved ones, Max Strus therefore behaved like a boss on the field to lead Cleveland to victory, alongside Jarrett Allen (19 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists) or Craig Porter Jr. (19 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds).
“ We just found a way to prevail » recognizes the rear, in reference to the absences of the Ohio franchise. “ That's our mentality, the next player must always be ready. Many players raised their level of play and put in more effort. Everyone played their role, made their contribution to the building. »
The story between Max Strus and his hometown could have been even more beautiful if, last summer, the Bulls had offered him a contract when he was free agent. The person concerned admits that he waited “ a call » from them, but nothing came of it and, instead, he signed with the Cavaliers for $63 million over four years.
A number in tribute to Derrick Rose
Without failing to send a little nod to one of his favorite players, also from Chicago and played by the Bulls then the Cavs, namely Derrick Rose…
“ He was my favorite player growing up » confides the former Heat shooter about him. “ He's a good guy, who I can talk to. I got to know him pretty well. He played in Cleveland for a while and wore number #1 there, so I thought it was special to be able to wear it too.. »
| Max Strus | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | CHI | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 0.0 | 100.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 |
| 2020-21 | MIA | 39 | 13 | 45.5 | 33.8 | 66.7 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 6.1 |
| 2021-22 | MIA | 68 | 23 | 44.1 | 41.0 | 79.2 | 0.4 | 2.6 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 10.6 |
| 2022-23 | MIA | 80 | 28 | 41.0 | 35.0 | 87.6 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 11.5 |
| 2023-24 | KEY | 29 | 35 | 40.3 | 35.2 | 78.3 | 0.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 3.8 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 13.9 |
| Total | 218 | 25 | 42.3 | 36.8 | 81.2 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 10.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
