Breakdown
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26. Mai 2026
Struggles in season finale
Strus supplied five points (2-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt), two rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes during Monday's 130-93 loss to the Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Analyse
Strus simply couldn't find any rhythm, scoring single digits for the fifth time in the past six games. Although he was able to provide the Cavaliers with a strong defensive presence, his offensive output left a lot to be desired. In seven games over the past two weeks, he averaged just 9.4 points, 1.0 steals and 2.4 three-pointers.
25. Mai 2026
Starting Game 4
Strus is in the starting lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks on Monday.
Analyse
Strus has come off the bench in each of the first three games of the series, but he provided a spark in Game 3 by scoring 13 points on four treys, earning him a look with the first unit. Dean Wade will retreat to the bench with Strus sliding into the starting five.
20. Mai 2026
Retreats to bench in Game 1 loss
Strus had eight points (2-6 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one steal over 25 minutes during Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Analyse
Strus shifted back to the bench after starting in Game 7 against the Pistons. Despite the demotion, he still managed to play meaningful minutes, logging at least 25 minutes for the ninth straight game. While he has been on the floor when it matters, Strus' production has been less than ideal on most nights. He has scored double digits only once in the past seven games, struggling to find his rhythm from the perimeter.
19. Mai 2026
Moving to bench for Game 1
Strus won't start Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks.
Analyse
After starting Sunday's Game 7 win over Detroit, Strus will slide back to the second unit as the Cavaliers move Dean Wade into the starting lineup. This adjustment likely aims to bolster Cleveland's frontcourt size and defense against a physical Knicks squad. Strus was a reliable contributor in the previous round, averaging 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds, and he has a history of sparked scoring off the bench, including a 20-point performance in Game 5 of the second round. Expect the veteran sharpshooter to maintain a significant role as the primary floor-spacer for the reserve unit.
