Max Strus and the Cleveland Cavaliers have one foot in the Eastern Conference Finals after their latest win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5. It would be their first Eastern Conference Final appearance since 2018, which would be their first in the post- LeBron James era.
It was a thrilling contest from start to finish, and it was probably the best game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals so far. In the end, the Cavs registered a 117-113 overtime victory over the Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena. It was the first road win of the series and also the Cavs' first win on the road in the postseason this year.
Strus may have won the Cavs fans over with his performance, but it looks like he won over Charles Barkley as well, and it had more to do with his game than just that.
I'm thinking what everybody's thinking. That's a pretty man…He's a good looking man…I would not look him dead in the eyes.
Charles Barkley on Inside The NBACharles Barkley is well known for never mincing his words. Known for his hilarious personality and jokes, the former MVP was clearly taken away by Max Strus' good looks. Barkley made this observation after Strus' post-match press conference.
Barkley went as far as to say that he would put Strus in the same category as Tom Brady. His observation and statements drew a reaction from his co-panelists, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson. The trio started poking fun at Barkley and couldn't hold back their laughter.
Charles Barkley says whatever and whenever he wants, and he is not afraid of the pushback. However, after his co-panelists started to make fun of him, he turned red and shy. But this is what makes Inside the NBA the most popular show amongst NBA fans.
Barkley praising Max Strus' looks went viral and the clip caught fans' attention in no time on social media.
Fans found the whole segment incredibly hilarious. Many credited Barkley for his unfiltered opinions and for always speaking his mind.
There is a lot of pressure on the Cavs to deliver big this season. The franchise has been deprived of playoff success ever since LeBron James departed for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
While they have achieved a lot of success in the regular season, they have often fallen short in the postseason. Trading for James Harden at the trade deadline this year was a statement for the rest of the league that the Cavs are going all in to win the championship.
The chances of going all the way are closer than ever as they are just one win away from an Eastern Conference Final. While Harden led the way with his first 30-point game for the Cavs in the playoffs, it was Max Strus who stole the show from the bench.
The 30-year-old joined the club in 2023. However, he has missed a lot of time due to a Jones fracture in his left foot this season. But it looks like Strus has found his feet and rhythm at the right time.
On Wednesday night, Strus led the charge from the bench and scored 20 points to go along with eight rebounds. He made six three-pointers in just eight attempts. He delivered a complete game and had a great battle against Cade Cunningham.
It was just the performance that the Cavs needed heading into Game 6. They have a golden chance to seal their spot in the next round as the series moves back to Cleveland. The winner of the series will face the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals.
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