{"id":695865,"date":"2026-04-03T13:46:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/695865\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:46:16","slug":"cavs-coach-kenny-atkinson-explains-why-max-strus-will-play-key-role-in-playoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/695865\/","title":{"rendered":"Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson Explains Why Max Strus Will Play Key Role in Playoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The key to the Cleveland Cavaliers\u2019 118-111 win over the Golden State Warriors<\/a> came down the stretch, and while Donovan Mitchell and James Harden were heavy contributors. One player stood out.<\/p>\n

With the score at 110-107, the Cavaliers were holding on, especially as a win would seal a playoff place. <\/p>\n

And with 54 seconds remaining, Max Strus<\/a> buried a three-pointer that proved to be the dagger. Winning games down the stretch was something the Cavaliers have been screaming for the majority of this season. <\/p>\n

MAX DID HIS BIG ONE. #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/fd9Gy14mFn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Strus went 6-for-10 from three-point land and finished with 24 points, perfectly supporting Mitchell, who ended with 25. Further showing his worth, since returning from a foot injury that sidelined him for the vast majority of the season.<\/p>\n

The long-awaited arrival of Strus has certainly lifted the Cavs to a different level heading into the postseason. And Atkinson is aware of his talent, and relishes the selection dilemma that he has with Strus and Sam Merrill. With the game on the line on Thursday, he made the right call.<\/p>\n

What Atkinson said about Strus postgame<\/p>\n

\u201cBig shot, Max,\u201d Atkinson said. \u201cIt\u2019s just certain guys, their DNA, they’re just made. <\/p>\n

\u201cMake or miss, right? It’s either a big shot or a big offensive rebound. That’s why now that I know him better, it’s like, \u2018Man, we need him in the end of game.\u2019 That was a tough choice, right? It’s like Sam, Max. <\/p>\n

\u201cLike, man, these choices are difficult. But he keeps proving it, that he wants to be in there at the end of the game, makes big shots, big plays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Strus will be key to Cleveland\u2019s playoff adventure <\/p>\n

As the Cavaliers gear up for the playoffs<\/a>, Strus could be the key to helping Cleveland finally break through and reach the Conference Finals in 2026 \u2013 and hopefully the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd12PLAYOFFS. CLINCHED.<\/p>\n

The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially clinched a 2026 NBA Playoffs berth. See you the post-season, Cavs fans!@Redfin<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YTFXnBYl3U<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

They may not hold the No. 1 seed this time around, but with a fully healthy roster and Strus playing a central role, they have the potential to be a serious force.<\/p>\n

His standout performance against the Warriors showed just how valuable he is. He provides crucial support for Mitchell and Harden, especially on nights when the team needs another scoring spark and energy.<\/p>\n

Cleveland was able to close that game out because Strus stepped up when it mattered most. <\/p>\n

That kind of impact in high-pressure moments is exactly what the team needs down the stretch. If he can continue delivering like that, the Cavaliers will be a tough contender to beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we’re a stronger team,\u201d Atkinson said. \u201cI\u2019m excited to see who we match up with and, you know, take that next step.\u201d<\/p>\n