Max Strus Was Stunned By Cavs’ Lack Of Maturity When He Joined Team

Max Strus joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023 after spending three seasons with the Miami Heat. 

Strus, one of the top shooters in the NBA, was stunned by the Cavaliers’ lack of maturity when he joined the team. Cleveland won 48 games last season but lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. 

This year was totally different for Strus and the Cavaliers. Cleveland was first in the NBA in points per game and offensive rating under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson and had the best record in the East. 

“It comes with the more you get around guys, the more you play together, the more experience you have,” Strus said, via Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “So I think it’s just after last year’s playoffs, I think guys came back this year ready and prepared. Grew up a little bit, I guess you could say. But yeah, it’s been fun watching our younger guys grow and learn and be in these positions.”

The Cavaliers are up 3-0 against the Heat in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. This group is more mature than last year’s team and it’s showing on the court. 

“We’ve matured a lot,” Strus said. 

All signs point toward the Cavs sweeping the Heat. Game 4 is on Monday.