In a stunning turn of events, Max Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers drilled a 59-foot buzzer-beater to secure a thrilling 121-119 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Strus’s remarkable shot marked his fifth made 3-pointer in the final four minutes of the game, capping off a sensational performance that left fans in awe.
The game-winning play unfolded in dramatic fashion. After the Mavericks surged ahead with a dunk by P.J. Washington with just 2.9 seconds remaining, the Cavaliers quickly inbounded the ball to Evan Mobley, who then passed it back to Strus. Remarkably, Strus had already made four 3-pointers in just over a minute to keep the Cavaliers within striking distance.
Taking a dribble before launching his shot from well beyond midcourt, Strus’s heave found nothing but net as time expired. The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse erupted in jubilation as Strus was mobbed by his teammates on the court.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Strus’s performance makes him just the fourth player in the past 25 seasons to make five 3-pointers in the final four minutes of a game. His unforgettable shot also ranks as the second-longest game-winning buzzer-beater in the 3-point era, underscoring its rarity and significance.
Despite his heroics, Strus remained humble in his postgame remarks, recalling an even longer game-winning shot he made during his college days at Lewis University in Illinois. “I got lucky,” he modestly admitted, downplaying the magnitude of his remarkable feat.
For the Cavaliers, Strus’s heroics were emblematic of their resiliency and depth. With key contributions from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 31 points, and Jarrett Allen, who added 19, the Cavaliers demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic put on a dazzling display with 45 points and 14 assists, showcasing his immense talent despite the heartbreaking loss. Reflecting on Strus’s buzzer-beater, Doncic accepted responsibility for the defensive lapse that allowed the Cavaliers to steal the win.
In the aftermath of Strus’s unforgettable shot, the Cavaliers continue to build momentum, improving to an impressive 12-3 since January 26. As they look ahead to the remainder of the season, Strus’s game-winning heroics serve as a testament to the team’s resilience and determination to succeed on the biggest stage.
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