| League | Team | games played | Playing time | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Field goals | 2-point field goals | 3-point field goals | Free throws | Offensive rebounds | Defensive rebounds | Turnovers | Blocks against | Personal fouls | Fouls drawn | +/- | Évaluation | Performance Index Rating | Player Impact Estimate | Usage % | Possessions | True Shooting % | Effective FG % | 3-Point Attempt Rate | Free Throw Rate | Offensive Rebound % | Defensive Rebound % | Total Rebound % | Assist % | Turnover % | Assist-Turnover Ratio | Steal % | Block % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | 30 | 25:37 | 10.2 | 5 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 3.4/8.2 42.0% | 1.1/1.9 56.1% | 2.4/6.3 37.8% | 1/1.1 87.9% | 1.2 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 3.1 | 1.3 | -2.4 | 12.1 | 10.0 | 3.9 | 16.8% | 9.8 | 59.0% | 56.5% | 76.7% | 13.5% | 5.6% | 16.9% | 11.3% | 10.7% | 2.1% | 9.9 | 1.1% | 0.5% |
| Date | Playing time | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Game | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:53 | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | - | D 93-130 vs  | NBA | |
| 31:01 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 1 | - | D 108-121 vs | NBA | |
| 25:30 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | D 109-93 @ | NBA | |
| 25:17 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | D 115-104 @ | NBA | |
| 27:37 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 3 | - | V 94-125 @  | NBA | |
| 29:41 | 6 | 8 | - | - | - | D 94-115 vs | NBA | |
| 36:14 | 20 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | V 113-117 @ | NBA |
When Max Strus hits a crucial three-pointer, few fans can imagine the winding road that took him from Division II benches to NBA hardwood. The shooting forward from Hickory Hills inherited the athletic DNA of his mother Debra, a former two-sport star at DePaul and now a member of the university's Hall of Fame.
A late physical developer at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, Strus made up for it with a remarkable work ethic. Despite averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds per game as a senior, he received only one Division I scholarship offer. Rather than accept by default, he chose Lewis University in Division II, following in his older brother's footsteps. This seemingly backward decision proved strategic: two outstanding seasons opened the doors to DePaul, his mother's alma mater.
As a Blue Demon, Strus exploded statistically, shattering several school records in points scored and three-pointers made. His outside shot became his trademark, but it was his tenacity that impressed NBA scouts. Going undrafted, he went through a string of training camps and short-term contracts before finding his place in the Miami Heat's rotation.
The pinnacle came in 2023 when he became a starter during the NBA Finals with Miami, the ultimate reward for his exemplary perseverance. His trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers that same year confirmed his market value, as he had turned an unconventional path into the driving force of his professional career.
Max Strus has built a reputation as a formidable elite shooter throughout his journey, from college benches to the NBA Finals.
Max Strus climbed every rung of American basketball, from high school honors to the NBA Finals, collecting accolades at each stage of his journey.
