Max Strus' Raw Reaction to Game-Winning Shot, Cavaliers Victory Over Mavericks

Max Strus says "Somebody had to step up" after hitting a half-court shot to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a win over the Dallas Mavericks.

What an ending! 

The Cleveland Cavaliers' emotions quickly changed from defeat to excitement. P.J. Washington gave the Dallas Mavericks a one-point lead with under two seconds left but then Max Strus' half-court erupted Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The Bally Sports broadcast crew was able to talk with Strus moments after the shot and celebrations and captured his raw reaction to the play and the game. 

"I don't know, [Donovan Mitchell] was out of the game, so somebody else had to step up," an out-of-breath Strus said with a smile on his face.

Max Strus with an incredible moment to remember as he wins the game against Dallas with a buzzer-beater from beyond half court.

He simply could not miss down the stretch and scored 15 points in less than four minutes to win it!

Chills! #LetEmKnow | @SerenaWinters pic.twitter.com/mW9tThTQRz

— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) February 28, 2024

"That was awesome. Great win, we've been struggling so it's good to get one like that. We fought, turned the ball over, let them get a basket late, but whatever, we won the game it doesn't matter"

This shot wasn't the only big one Strus made down the stretch. In fact, he made four big threes in a matter of 67 seconds to set up this buzzer-beater and win. In terms of where this game ranks in his NBA career, Strus said "It's up there. Still can't even take it in right now, I don't really know what happened. I'm just happy he won, that it."

Feb 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) celebrates after hitting a last-second, game-winning three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Strus finished the night with 21 points while shooting 58% (7-12) from the floor and 70% (7-10) from behind the arc. 15 of his points and five of his threes came in the fourth quarter. His five shots from behind the arc, including the game-winner, tie a career-high for made threes in a quarter, per Basketball Reference. 

What a night for Strus!