NBA – After humiliation, ultimate shame for a Cavaliers star: “He shouldn’t have come!”

Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif

After a historic regular season for the franchise, the Cavaliers exited the playoffs by the back door. Largely dominated by the Pacers, Donovan Mitchell and his partners proved their many detractors right. And this Wednesday, one in particular is being targeted and humiliated on the networks.

All season long, pundits have wondered whether the Cavaliers’ results should put them among the favorites for the title. On paper, it’s obvious that a team that finishes with 64 wins and 18 losses, the best record in the league tied with the Thunder, deserves real consideration. But from day one, the construction of the squad has raised questions.

Indeed, in a league where physicality is so important, the fact that Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell hardly exceed 1m86 is seen as a hindrance to Cleveland’s success. What’s more, it’s been a long time since a franchise has won a championship by relying on twin towers like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on the inside.

Max Strus humiliated after Cavaliers defeat

The Pacers feasted on these shortcomings in this conference semi-final, ousting the Cavs in just 5 games. A scathing result that almost makes you forget the excellent regular season of Kenny Atkinson’s men, and raises questions for the future. In addition to the collective mockery, one player was targeted for a speech that has aged particularly badly. TNT reported before Game 5:

There was a group message sent to all Cavaliers players by Max Strus. He simply explained to his teammates: “If you don’t believe we can come back, then don’t come to the game.” Again this morning, he reiterated that he didn’t think his team had said its last word, while Tristan Thompson asked everyone to shine in their roles.

On the brink of elimination, the Cavaliers needed a motivating voice to wake up the locker room and instill a spirit of revolt. Max Strus stepped up to the plate, but his initiative backfired immediately. Starting on the wing, he played the worst game of his season, condemning his team. Unsurprisingly, Internet users laughed at his 0 points at 0/9 shooting.

@George777Tai : Strus, you’re not that player, bro 💀💀💀

@Satalite : He did the same thing with the Heat in the 2023 Finals.

@Call_me_J_D : Maybe he’s the one who shouldn’t have come to the game.

@LewisPike_ : Why is a role player talking, and not a star?!