Cleveland, Ohio – A thrilling finish between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night left fans in awe as Max Strus’s incredible game-winning shot secured a 121-119 victory for the Cavaliers. The jaw-dropping moment came in the form of a 59-foot buzzer-beater from Strus, who drained his fifth 3-pointer in the final minutes of the game to snatch victory from the Mavericks.
The Cavaliers found themselves trailing after P.J. Washington’s dunk put the Mavericks ahead with just seconds remaining. However, a quick inbound pass to Evan Mobley, who then set up Strus for the miraculous shot, turned the game around in favor of Cleveland. Strus’s remarkable performance, including making four 3-pointers in just over a minute, showcased his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
Strus’s game-winner, which marked the second-longest buzzer-beater in the 3-point era, ignited a frenzy among both players and fans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The shot solidified Strus’s status as a key player for the Cavaliers, with coach J.B. Bickerstaff praising his ability to step up when needed most.
In a post-game interview, Strus humbly credited his timely shot to luck, recognizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to help his team secure the win. His impressive performance was complemented by Donovan Mitchell’s 31 points and Jarrett Allen’s 19 points, further underscoring the Cavaliers’ recent success during the game.
On the Mavericks’ side, Luka Doncic’s 45-point effort and Kyrie Irving’s 30-point contribution were not enough to fend off Cleveland’s late-game surge. Despite Doncic’s stellar performance, Dallas ultimately fell short in the face of Strus’s remarkable shooting display.
The game marked Irving’s return to Cleveland since being traded to Dallas, a moment met with a warm reception from the crowd despite his complex history with the city. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Irving’s growth and positive impact on the team, highlighting his ability to thrive in Dallas following a tumultuous departure from the Nets.
As the Cavaliers continue to demonstrate their resilience and ability to secure crucial victories, Strus’s unforgettable game-winner stands out as a testament to the team’s grit and determination. The electrifying finish will surely be remembered as a defining moment in the Cavaliers’ season, showcasing the thrilling and unpredictable nature of NBA basketball.