dailyloe.com – Cleveland Cavaliers player Max Strus calls being in the NBA playoffs a privilege. He knows being part of an experienced postseason team carries extra weight. The Cavaliers will host the Toronto Raptors for Game 1 on Saturday. The Raptors swept Cleveland during the regular season, which further heightens that burden.
Strus discussed the matchup against the Raptors. He said the team knows what Toronto likes to do and how they like to play. Strus stated the Cavaliers just have to be mentally tougher. They must find a way to get to an extra gear and push through fatigue.
The team needs to push through tough moments and come together as a group. Their goal is to find a way to succeed. Toronto swept an understaffed Cavaliers side during the regular season. Strus says that is no excuse for those losses.
The Raptors claimed three wins over the Cavaliers in the regular season. Those victories came early, between October and November. It was a period when the Cavs were desperately shorthanded. Several players were out due to injury during that time.
Max Strus was among those injured players. He returned from a foot injury on March 15 against the Dallas Mavericks. Strus had missed the first 67 games of the season. But to him, the record still shows Toronto got the better of Cleveland.
Strus admits there are no excuses for the regular-season results. He said the Cavaliers did not have their full team during that time. Strus acknowledged that the Raptors beat them and played well. It is easy to watch film on those games to understand.
Studying film helps understand the game situation and how Toronto does things. The Cavaliers definitely watched those games against the Raptors. They took things from them and learned from them. Strus hopes the team will be better for it now.
Playing in the postseason is a privilege according to Strus. Not everybody gets to do this. He calls it the best time of the year and the best basketball. You work all season and all summer for this moment.
A major point for the Raptors will be limiting Donovan Mitchell. Reducing his productivity could make life harder for the Cavaliers. That strategy could play into the hands of Max Strus. He has averaged 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds this season.
Strus has played in 12 games, shooting 40% from three-point land. He has shown he can take offensive responsibility if Mitchell is limited. Strus knows he is aware and has praised their consistent drive. He highlighted their mindset throughout the season.
Strus spoke about Donovan Mitchell’s understanding of winning. He said Don understands the importance and what it takes to win. You can say everything you want about preparation and mindset. Mitchell consistently brings that required focus and intensity.[]
Source: Sports Illustrated
