Offseason Additions Contribute In Cavaliers’ First Preseason Game

Max Strus, Georges Niang, Ty Jerome, and Damian Jones all made their Cleveland debuts in the team's first preseason game of 2023.

This offseason, the Cavaliers addressed two areas in their team’s makeup: shooting and physicality.

Cleveland did so by acquiring Max Strus, Georges Niang and Ty Jerome in free agency, as well as veteran center Damian Jones in a trade with the Utah Jazz.

Tonight, these four players suited up for game action in Wine and Gold for the first time. Here’s how each of them fared in the Cavaliers’ first preseason game of 2023 against the Atlanta Hawks:

Max Strus

With Jarrett Allen sidelined due to a bone bruise in his ankle, Strus got a starting nod in a smaller Cleveland lineup. The 27-year-old played 15 minutes, scoring three points while going 1-for-4 from the field (all 3-point attempts), with a rebound and an assist.

Oct 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) during the first half at State Farm Arena / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georges Niang

Niang made a strong impression from behind the arc, showing why Cleveland signed him. The forward played 17 minutes off the bench, totaling six points and three rebounds, while going 2-for-4 from the field (all three-point attempts). Defensively, he had two steals.

Ty Jerome

Despite four early fouls in the first half, Jerome had a solid night off the bench. In 17 minutes, he tallied nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. The 26-year-old went 3-for-4 from the field, missing his only three-point attempt, and 3-for-3 at the free throw line.

Damian Jones

In 19 minutes off the bench, Jones turned in a strong performance on the interior. He finished with eight points, six rebounds and two blocks, while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.

In their first games with the Cavaliers, these four new additions have already made an early impression and will look to build on it leading into the regular season.