Max Strus (foot) records 24 points in first game of the season for Cavaliers
CLEVELAND — Many individuals would be pleased to score 24 points in their initial game back after being sidelined for most of the season due to a fractured left foot.
However, Max Strus is not one of them.
While the Cleveland forward was glad to return to the court on Sunday, his performance came in a defeat as Dallas secured a 130-120 win.
The Cavaliers’ loss to the Mavericks followed a 138-105 triumph in Dallas just two days earlier.
“I wasn’t good enough,” he stated. “Clearly, we didn’t win, so you can say whatever you want. I’m proud of myself, yes, but ultimately we lost the game. It’s a disappointing loss for us, and I hope we can secure the next one.”
The 6-foot-5 forward sustained a Jones fracture—a break in the bone connecting the little toe to the base of the foot—during offseason training and underwent surgery on August 26.
At the time of his surgery, it was anticipated that he would return to basketball activities within three to four months.
Nevertheless, his recovery took longer than expected, causing him to miss the first 67 games of the season.
Strus entered the game on Sunday with 4:53 left in the first quarter, quickly making two 3-pointers from the left wing within his first 75 seconds on the floor.
He tallied 16 points in the first half. According to Elias Sports Bureau, he is the first player since the 1997-98 season to score at least 15 points in the first half of a season debut after missing at least the first 60 games.
He concluded the game shooting 7 of 9 from the field, including 6 of 7 from beyond the arc, in 23 minutes of play.
“Everyone keeps telling me to maintain a positive outlook. So I will continue to be myself, but I also need to recognize and appreciate many things, including the joy of being back,” Strus remarked. “It was challenging to be sidelined and not be with my teammates for such an extended period. I didn’t anticipate it lasting this long, but it did.”
Coach Kenny Atkinson mentioned prior to the game that he expected Strus to log 20 to 24 minutes, with that number increasing as the season progresses.
“It’s an emotional day when you see someone endure what he has during the offseason and then face challenges returning. It’s emotional, but also thrilling,” Atkinson noted. “Having him back in the locker room brings an injection of energy and competitiveness. It’s timely and will serve as a boost for the team, not just today but in the future.”
How Strus—who averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season—fits into the Cavaliers’ late-season and playoff strategies will be an evolving situation.
Cleveland has a record of 10-6 since acquiring James Harden in a major trade, but has gone 5-6 in its last 11 games.
Center Jarrett Allen remains sidelined due to knee tendinitis, adding to the challenges faced by a Cavaliers roster that has dealt with injuries throughout the season.
