Max Strus delivered a standout performance for the injury-riddled Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 26 points and dishing out seven assists in a 109-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls faced their fourth loss in 12 games without NBA star Zach LaVine, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls’ scoring effort with 21 points, and Nikola Vucevic added a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Despite missing their top scorers Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, and Sam Merill, the Cavaliers found strength in their depth. Jarrett Allen contributed 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Craig Porter Jr. added 19 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
“Everybody stepped up,” Strus said. “When the ball was put in their hands, they made a play. It’s fun to play basketball like that. When guys are confident, when guys are moving when everybody feels involved, that’s how you win games.”
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the team’s grit and commitment, highlighting the players’ refusal to let each other down. The Cavaliers, facing significant absences, including Mitchell due to illness, Garland and Mobley due to injuries, and LeVert with knee tendonitis, have still managed to secure four wins in their last five games.
“It’s the grit, the physical and mental toughness,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s one of those things where a group of guys just don’t want to disappoint one another, so they went out and played the game purely on both ends of the floor, but it just speaks volumes of their character and commitment to each other.”
Strus highlighted Porter as a key player in the victory. He emphasized the team’s “next man up” mentality, praising his teammates’ efforts and multiple contributions.
“Next man mentality, had a lot of guys step up tonight, a lot of multiple efforts, and a rookie was sensational tonight,” Strus said.
Strus played a crucial role in the game’s closing moments, scoring 10 of Cleveland’s final 16 points. Porter praised Strus for his shooting ability, noting his confidence in Strus’s scoring whenever he finds space.
“I told him before everybody got hurt. If I am (out) there with you and I see even a little bit of space, I’m throwing you the ball, and I’m expecting a shot,” Porter said. “He’s one of those guys you just find him, and he awards you every time.”
The Cavaliers continued to build on their lead in the third quarter, with Porter and Damian Jones making significant contributions. Despite a push from the Bulls, led by Patrick Williams, Strus responded with a critical eight-point streak, celebrating with friends and family in attendance.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will face the Dallas Mavericks on the road, while the Bulls will host the Atlanta Hawks in their upcoming games.
