Max Strus reacts to loss in season debut

Mar 16, 2026 5:55 PM

Max Strus made his long-awaited season debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday after missing several months with a broken foot, and he appeared fully comfortable back on the court, writes Joe Reedy of The Associated Press.

The veteran forward was highly efficient offensively, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and 6-of-7 from three-point range while finishing with 24 points.

Still, Strus was disappointed that his strong individual performance came in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

“I wasn’t good enough. Obviously we didn’t win, so you could say all the things you want to say,” Strus said.

“I’m proud of myself, yes, but at the end of the day we didn’t win the game. It’s a bad loss for us and hopefully we get the next one.”

Strus had been sidelined since suffering a Jones fracture in his left foot while training during the offseason.

He underwent surgery in late August, and although the initial expectation was that he might return within three to four months, the recovery ultimately took longer than anticipated.

In his first game back, Strus was one of the first players off Cleveland’s bench and logged 23 minutes.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson said the team intends to gradually increase his playing time over the final weeks of the regular season.

“I think it’s an emotional day when you witness someone go through what he has during the offseason and then struggling to get back. It’s emotional, but it’s also exciting,” Atkinson said.

“And then just to get an injection of energy and the competitor he is back in the locker room. It’s good timing and will be a boost for the team, not just today but going forward.”